optimum

adjective

Definition of optimumnext
as in optimal

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 optimum The optimum amount of sleep varies by individual, but most people need between seven and nine hours a night. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 8 July 2026 In many cases, the optimum starting age is 70, which is the maximum starting age with the highest monthly benefit. — Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Watermelons grow best in planting hills that are 4 to 6 feet apart to give each melon optimum space to blossom. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 For optimum care, place this peach in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026 With little competition, a mild climate, and ample resources, Britain was optimum habitat for the highly fecund burrowers. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 June 2026 Accordingly, the cigars that stood out to us when compiling this year’s list of premier smokes were the ones made by producers with a real sense of heritage, an exacting focus on craftsmanship, and a willingness to wait for optimum results. — Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 19 June 2026 After settling on the optimum ingredient balance and brewing time, researchers conducted a blind taste-test with 100 coffee drinkers using traditional espresso and filter coffee, as well as their ultrasonic alternatives. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2026 In square foot gardening, each square foot gets a different vegetable or herb, and the optimum number of plants for that type is planted within the square. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimum
  1. optimal
  2. maximum
  3. excellent
  4. superb
  5. prime
  6. outstanding
  7. special
  8. first-class
Adjective
  • The optimal approach is less about finding a perfect strategy and more about managing the trade-offs over the course of time.
    — Daniel Kern, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • This information is continuously shared across a command-and-control network that decides whether an engagement is necessary, selects the most suitable interceptor, and determines the optimal launch time.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Definition of optimal
Adjective
  • The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The storm had maximum sustained winds over 180 mph, with winds expected to exceed 150 mph on Rota, according to the National Weather Service.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • As other reviewers have also noted, sound quality is superb on the GA lawn, which was full to bursting with blankets and rentable lawn chairs.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
  • Curtain Bluff, Antigua Come for the pair of beaches, exceptional clifftop spa, and superb cuisine.
    — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • As the contract renewal window builds throughout September and October, this is prime territory for networks to launch aggressive marketing campaigns alongside the launch of new iPhone models.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The four- or six-person domes have lofts, full bathrooms with walk-in showers and prime stargazing right from bed.
    — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 2026
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • Allen scored the Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her role as Roxie Hamler, a terminally ill cancer patient who arrives at the emergency room after breaking her leg and suffering from seizures.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • The nominees for the 78th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were unveiled Wednesday, with Hollywood honoring a slew of new shows and setting up what’s expected to be a battle among two legends in the race for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
    — Dan Heching, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • The project won a special award at Moscow's Archimedes innovation exhibition this year.
    — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 10 July 2026
  • Sunny hikes call for special clothing that keeps harsh UV rays off your skin.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of special
Adjective
  • Budget-conscious travelers may notice a widening gap between the back of the plane and up front as the carriers increasingly build their businesses around selling first-class, business-class and premium-economy seats.
    — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 7 July 2026
  • United Airlines also charges a premium for window seats in first-class cabins.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of first-class

Browse Nearby Words

optimizing
optimum
opting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimum. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on optimum

Nglish: Translation of optimum for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
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
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All