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
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
The New York Times reported in February that American intelligence agencies have concluded that Iran is exploring a faster, if cruder, approach to developing an atomic weapon if its leadership decides to race for a bomb.
—
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
The risk is of a new wave of nuclear proliferation, with a larger number of nuclear powers increasing the chance of either intentional or accidental use of atomic weapons—if not World War III.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, developing these materials has been a slow and costly process, requiring precise control at the atomic level.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Eurasian conflicts shattered continents and confronted humanity with the risk of atomic annihilation.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
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David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
The risk is of a new wave of nuclear proliferation, with a larger number of nuclear powers increasing the chance of either intentional or accidental use of atomic weapons—if not World War III.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Traditionally, developing these materials has been a slow and costly process, requiring precise control at the atomic level.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Eurasian conflicts shattered continents and confronted humanity with the risk of atomic annihilation.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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
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