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
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.
Their characters range from alien birds discussing the optimal amount of stones in nests to Aztec warriors unaware of guns to bumbling, chess-playing professors. Book Marks october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025 This trains the brain and body to constantly seek out the optimal solution to each moment rather than fall back on pre-scripted moves that are easier for the defense to predict. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Steps for Weight Loss Setting and achieving a step goal can aid weight loss efforts, but adjustments from the standardized 10,000-step goal may be necessary for optimal results. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 2 Oct. 2025 As is to be expected, actual on-water performance, efficiency gains and optimal RPM ranges vary, with some reporting efficiency improvements closer to 10% or less than 30%. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optimal

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimal. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on optimal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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