Synonyms for
Asteroid
Definition
A small rocky object that orbits the sun and is much smaller than a planet.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Common collocations
- near-Earth asteroid
- asteroid belt
- stray asteroid
- passing asteroid
- asteroid impact
- asteroid mining
- ancient asteroid
Word family
noun asteroid
Usage note
An asteroid is a rocky body orbiting the Sun, smaller than a planet. It is distinct from a comet, which has a tail of gas and dust.
Example sentences
- The asteroid belt is located between Mars and Jupiter.
- Scientists are studying an asteroid to learn more about the origins of the solar system.
- An asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
- The asteroid was too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- The asteroid was named after a famous scientist.
Quotes
"The dinosaurs became extinct because they didn't have a space program. And if we become extinct because we don't have a space program, it'll serve us right!" - Larry Niven
"The first asteroid to be discovered, Ceres was thought to be a new planet in our solar system. We now know it to be one of the largest asteroids in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter." - Catherine Pulsifer
"Asteroids have us in our sight. The dinosaurs didn't have a space program, so they're not here to talk about this problem. We are, and we have the power to do something about it." - Buzz Aldrin