maximal

adjective

max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: being an upper limit : highest
2
: most comprehensive : complete
maximally adverb

Examples of maximal in a Sentence

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.
Go slow and controlled with this exercise for maximal benefit. Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Sep. 2025 Two decades on, Israel is again acting with maximal force and minimal diplomacy—and again without a credible end state. Yonatan Touval, Time, 22 Aug. 2025 Are there modes more maximal than the human? Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Likewise, the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, a wing-back in their Bundesliga-winning team of 2023-24, means Slot can deploy maximal width and beyond-the-ball full-backs on both sides. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maximal

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximal was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Maximal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximal. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

maximal

adjective
max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: being an upper limit : highest
maximal growth
2
: most comprehensive : complete
maximal recovery

Medical Definition

maximal

adjective
max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: most complete or effective
maximal dental protection
maximal vasodilation
2
: being an upper limit
the maximal levels achieved with subcutaneous injectionsW. S. Hoffman
maximally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maximal

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