maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 
plural maxima
ˈmak-sə-mə
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically
: the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum
adjective
Examples of maximum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The new regulation limits the presence in public drinking water of two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, to a maximum of 4 parts per trillion—the lowest amount feasible.
—
Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Apr. 2024
As a result, any additional Staff exception to allow the Company to regain compliance with all delinquent filings, will be limited to a maximum of 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or May 13, 2023.
—Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
The Ukrainians wanted a peacetime army of 250,000 people; the Russians insisted on a maximum of 85,000, considerably smaller than the standing army Ukraine had before the invasion in 2022.
—Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024
During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its highest point in the sky and the Earth's tilt toward the star is at its maximum, according to the National Weather Service.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Garza is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
—Rachel Spacek, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2024
Mizuhara faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, although his cooperation in the investigation could significantly lighten a potential sentence in the event of a plea bargain.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Tax refunds and some special government expenditures are taken off the top of total general revenue collections, leaving a net amount that state agencies are allowed to spend up to the maximum authorized by the state's Revenue Stabilization Act.
—Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 20 Apr. 2024
As a result, any additional Staff exception to allow the Company to regain compliance with all delinquent filings, will be limited to a maximum of 180 calendar days from the due date of the Initial Delinquent Filing, or May 13, 2023.
—Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024
Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024
The Ukrainians wanted a peacetime army of 250,000 people; the Russians insisted on a maximum of 85,000, considerably smaller than the standing army Ukraine had before the invasion in 2022.
—Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024
During the summer solstice, the Sun is at its highest point in the sky and the Earth's tilt toward the star is at its maximum, according to the National Weather Service.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Garza is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
—Rachel Spacek, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2024
Mizuhara faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, although his cooperation in the investigation could significantly lighten a potential sentence in the event of a plea bargain.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Tax refunds and some special government expenditures are taken off the top of total general revenue collections, leaving a net amount that state agencies are allowed to spend up to the maximum authorized by the state's Revenue Stabilization Act.
—Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maximum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum
adjective
Medical Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum
adjective
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