optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum
the optimal use of class time
the optimal dosage of medication for a patient
conditions for optimal development
optimality noun
optimally adverb

Examples of optimal in a Sentence

He keeps his engine tuned for optimal performance. Under optimal conditions, these plants grow quite tall.
Recent Examples on the Web Simple ways to start building an emergency fund While getting a low-cost loan to tide you over in a pinch may be a relief, not having to borrow at all is optimal. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Come mid-January, the same heated tundra vehicles used for observing polar bears in autumn transform into aurora borealis-mobiles, with open sky decks for optimal viewing. Paul Rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2024 The ergonomic shape ensures optimal comfort, while rounded edges and smooth contours reduce the risk of injuries. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Blood pressure: Talk to a healthcare provider about what your optimal blood pressure is. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 Mar. 2024 So, what is the optimal use case for data about gender in tech and VC? Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 This step typically requires the expertise of developers to ensure optimal connection and harmonious collaboration between systems. Paul Ross, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, but the optimal window depends on your priorities, according to Harris. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 For optimal protection, choose basements, storm cellars and inner rooms away from doors, windows and outer walls. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optimal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

optim(um) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimal was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near optimal

Cite this Entry

“Optimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

optimal

adjective
op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
optimally adverb

Medical Definition

optimal

adjective
op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum
optimal concentrations of a drug
optimality noun
plural optimalities
optimally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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