as in perfectly
in the most desirable, satisfactory, or advantageous manner or circumstances
Optimally, we'll leave by seven and arrive by ten o'clock. The seating was optimally arranged so that all guests had a clear view of the wedding party.
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 optimally
Reported fear and lack of coordination across some Iranian forces mean that medium-range missile systems are still functioning sub-optimally.
—
Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Once in a while, everything works out optimally.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
At first, compensation is a useful adaptation that keeps you functioning when something isn’t working optimally.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
For the body to function optimally, men need about 90 milligrams per day, and women should get at least 75.
—Ayana Underwood, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026
Air then rushes into your nose (or, less optimally, your mouth); past your throat, voice box, and windpipe; and into your lungs.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma City’s dribble-driving, attacking game is perhaps not optimally suited to go against that.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Modern cars may be technologically advanced compared to the automobiles of previous decades, but they are still made up of fragile parts that need regular operation and upkeep to perform optimally.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Satellites regularly pass through earth’s shadow, and solar panels cannot always remain optimally aligned with the sun.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Once in a while, everything works out optimally.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
At first, compensation is a useful adaptation that keeps you functioning when something isn’t working optimally.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
For the body to function optimally, men need about 90 milligrams per day, and women should get at least 75.
—Ayana Underwood, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026
Air then rushes into your nose (or, less optimally, your mouth); past your throat, voice box, and windpipe; and into your lungs.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma City’s dribble-driving, attacking game is perhaps not optimally suited to go against that.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Modern cars may be technologically advanced compared to the automobiles of previous decades, but they are still made up of fragile parts that need regular operation and upkeep to perform optimally.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Satellites regularly pass through earth’s shadow, and solar panels cannot always remain optimally aligned with the sun.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimally
Adverb
-
Quilted jackets layer perfectly over long sleeves, short sleeves, light sweaters, and even dresses.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, that doesn’t mean that any eventual peace deal will perfectly balance the victors’ and vanquished’s demands.—
Philippe Welti,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Pristine is specially formulated to work with all kinds of toilet paper.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The rocket will launch from a 532-foot (162-meter) long, 131-foot (40-meter) wide barge, the Dong Fang Hang Tian Gang, which has been specially converted for the purpose.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Medical advice should come from a professional who can ask follow-up questions and, ideally, evaluate directly.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Designer Lee Miller of Long Island, New York, says foundation planting beds should ideally be 6 to 8 feet wide, with plants located at least 1 foot from the house.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
This allows residents to store and properly age a broader collection in a secure, professionally maintained environment.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Acclimating our senses was rooftop breakfast served by a gracious staff who introduced us to Armenian coffee — finely ground into a powder and brewed in a jazzve pot.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The aluminum chassis has a sleek, silvery look, and the monitor is sturdy, finely crafted, and well-proportioned.—
Tony Hoffman,
PC Magazine,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optimally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimally. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
