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.
Cutting during optimal times, using clean, sharp tools to trim stems at an angle, and placing them in water right away can all go a long way in extending the life of your cut flowers, says Berry. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 Rather than running the cars on the track with different tires, transmissions, and weather conditions to find the recipe for optimal performance, teams are creating digital twins of entire systems and modeling them with simulations. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 While researchers are not yet certain of the optimal frequency to interrupt sitting, LaCroix said that getting up three times each hour is better than only getting up once per hour. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025 Pickett is undersized but responsible, which should allow the Nuggets to get into half-court sets designed for Murray to catch and go to work from optimal spots on the floor. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 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 23 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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