1
a
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms
atomic physics
b
: nuclear sense 2
atomic energy
2
a
: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element
: existing in the state of separate atoms
Synonyms of atomic
Examples of atomic in a Sentence
made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web
Even before the first atomic detonation at the Trinity test, James Franck, Eugene Rabinowitch, Leo Szilard and others issued a report warning of the far-reaching consequences of unleashing the atomic bomb, highlighting the dangers of a nuclear arms race.
—
Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of scaling up, the study authors built something incredibly small—a quantum system with just nine interacting atomic spins—and asked it to take on problems that usually demand far larger machines.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
But for Project Plowshare’s biggest proponents, atomic excavation remained a worthwhile goal.
—The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
But for Project Plowshare’s biggest proponents, atomic excavation remained a worthwhile goal.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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.
Daniel Holz, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Instead of scaling up, the study authors built something incredibly small—a quantum system with just nine interacting atomic spins—and asked it to take on problems that usually demand far larger machines.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
But for Project Plowshare’s biggest proponents, atomic excavation remained a worthwhile goal.
—The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
But for Project Plowshare’s biggest proponents, atomic excavation remained a worthwhile goal.
—Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atomic
adjective
atom·ic
ə-ˈtäm-ik 
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy
atomic physics
the atomic age
atomic energy
2
: extremely small
3
: found in the state of separate atoms
atomic hydrogen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
