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.
Magic Hour — Also known as Golden Hour, this is the optimal time of day to shoot magical or romantic scenes, right as the sun is coming down or right as its coming up. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 17 May 2025 For each phase of the experiment, my gut microbiome diversity scored well below what Zoe considers to be optimal. Priya Krishna, New York Times, 16 May 2025 In his new book, Ding offers a different explanation of how technological revolutions affect competition among great powers, especially the U.S.-China power balance, as well as the optimal strategies for the U.S. and China to pursue. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025 The brand recommends washing the quilt separately with cold water and a gentle cycle, and line or tumble drying with low heat, ironing as needed for optimal results. Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 May 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 24 May. 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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