meteoric

adjective

me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
Synonyms of meteoricnext
1
a
: of or relating to a meteor
b
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
2
: of, relating to, or derived from the earth's atmosphere
meteoric water
meteorically
ˌmē-tē-ˈȯr-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
adverb

Examples of meteoric in a Sentence

a meteoric rise to fame
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.
Alex Eala continues her meteoric rise on and off the court, and is already receiving special treatment from Nike, her outfitting partner. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026 But his meteoric ascent is followed by an equally spectacular downfall as addiction, paranoia, law enforcement, and his deteriorating relationship with Colombian drug lord Alejandro Sosa (Paul Shenar) begin closing in around him. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 Pumpkin, the celebrity Pumpkin has been making quite the splash over the past few months as her celebrity status continues its meteoric rise. — Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Sep. 2026 The episode chronicled his meteoric rise at Texas and the events that ultimately sent his career into a downward spiral. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meteoric

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of meteoric was in 1785

Rhymes for meteoric

See All Rhymes for meteoric

Browse Nearby Words

meteor echo
meteoric
meteoric iron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meteoric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meteoric. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

meteoric

adjective
me·​te·​or·​ic ˌmēt-ē-ˈȯr-ik How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
-ˈär-
1
: of or relating to a meteor
a meteoric shower
2
: resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a meteoric rise to fame
meteorically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce meteoric (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on meteoric

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for meteoric

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