optimal

adjective

Definition of optimalnext
as in optimum

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of optimal From time to time, customers may need to purchase a newer model for optimal Services. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026 The first important step is searing the whole turkey legs for optimal browning. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 Second, organizational structure post-pandemic may not be optimal for making in-office mandates work. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026 So the Huskies, ranked second in the preseason poll, have to be unequivocally Sarah Strong’s team for optimal function. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimal
  1. optimum
  2. maximum
  3. excellent
  4. superb
  5. prime
  6. outstanding
  7. special
  8. first-class
Adjective
  • Census tracts generally contain between 1,000 and 8,000 residents, with an optimum size of 4,000 people to help standardize population counts.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Each has its own requirements for growing conditions, and many still require using pesticides for optimum growth.
    — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of optimum
Adjective
  • The company has not yet published AIR’s overall dimensions, weight, reach, battery capacity, or maximum payload.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Lobbyists are still limited to a maximum $5 gift to lawmakers.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Those hiding from family this Thanksgiving can take solace in a cornucopia of superb TV offerings.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Throughout, there’s a lingering sadness, which is properly explored in a superb episode made up of a trifecta of flashbacks, and his dour constitution still pairs perfectly with Helen’s reassuring nature.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • My Daughter is a Zombie is a prime example of the importance of that relationship with fans.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Other prime spots include the south side of 59th Street between Columbus Circle and Sixth Avenue and the entire stretch of Sixth Avenue between 38th and 59th.
    — Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • All-inclusive meals made with organic produce grown in the garden are outstanding.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Customers can work with staff to address billing discrepancies and outstanding service requests.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • When a crisis happens, compassion should already be part of the culture, not a special accommodation.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, the Hawks offense and special teams need work too.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of special
Adjective
  • The airline’s new first-class seating will be home to the largest bed in the skies upon its launch.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Amtrak is concluding a program that invites travelers to share first-class roomettes with a companion for free.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of first-class

Browse Nearby Words

optical illusions
optimal
optimally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimal. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gauntlet

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All