planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
Synonyms of planetarynext
1
a
: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
b
: erratic, wandering
c
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons
d
: immense
the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
2
a
: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
b
: global, worldwide
planetary politics
3
: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

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Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even though several planetary retrogrades invite us to re-examine the past, this lunation acts as a powerful catalyst to course-correct, adjust perspective, and step onto more solid ground. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Mostly hidden from our daily view, the machinery for making white meat—a chemical and metabolic system of planetary scope—will be a lingering trace of human presence in the annals of Earth history. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 Either way, scientists anticipate finding traces of Mars on Phobos, making the samples an irresistible two-for-one that should help demystify planetary and moon formation. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026 Decades later in the 1970s, researchers William Hartmann and Donald Davis developed their own models involving collisions of large bodies left over from planetary formation, which could collide with younger planets. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for planetary

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary was in 1607

Phrases Containing planetary

Rhymes for planetary

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Browse Nearby Words

planetarium
planetary
planetary configuration
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Cite this Entry

“Planetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

planetary

adjective
plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a planet
b
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus
2
: worldwide, global
a matter of planetary concern
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