maximal

adjective

max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl 

1

: being an upper limit : highest

2

: most comprehensive : complete

maximally adverb

Examples of maximal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the day of maximal public attention to television and online news, on par with wars and natural disasters and the World Cup finals. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

And anybody who tries to stop tech acceleration toward this maximal AI eat-the-world universe is threatening the continuation of humanity. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Not a maximal one, but if being a true pop singer means singing lead on some of the most magical recordings of the 20th century, Love did that. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Then, of course, there is tokenmaxxing—the trend of maximal AI use to climb a corporate leaderboard or catch the AI wave at all costs. — Paul Deraval, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing maximal

• sub-maximal

Rhymes for maximal

• submaximal

Kids Definition

maximal

adjective

max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl 

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 

1

: most complete or effective

maximal dental protection

maximal vasodilation

2

: being an upper limit

the maximal levels achieved with subcutaneous injections

—W. S. Hoffman

maximally

-ē 

adverb