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 For optimal upkeep, her clients generally come in every two to four weeks for a trim and color touch up, and the toupee itself needs to be replaced every two to three months. Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 If your filter is looking gray or dusty, swap it immediately to ensure optimal results. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023 Its lightweight formula ensures quick absorption, delivering active ingredients into the skin for optimal nourishment. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023 Vineyards across California Wine Country are nearing the end of their harvest season and, thanks to an optimal growing season, winemakers think this year’s vintage could be one of the best in decades. Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023 Of course, your specific optimal frequency may vary. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Nov. 2023 From what looks like a royal jewel chest, a server pulls tiny drawers housing accoutrements—hoisin, scallions, matchsticks of cucumber, pickles, honeydew melon—then demonstrates the optimal technique for wrapping slices of meat and garnishes into bing pancakes, plucked from a bamboo steamer. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2023 The aim is to maintain healthy, balanced blood sugar levels to ensure the insulin stays in check for optimal health. Hannah Coates, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2023 Baril said that the optimal amount of deep sleep remains unclear. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2023 See More

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 4 Dec. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!