optimum

adjective

Definition of optimumnext
as in optimal

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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 Different varieties of turfgrasses will have different optimum heights of cut. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 Inventory is near optimum, affordability is good, and yet prices are appreciating well. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 13 July 2026 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 This attentive approach means the team maintains a clear picture of what each person’s path of recovery should look like for optimum effectiveness. — K.h. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 1 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimum
  1. optimal
  2. maximum
  3. excellent
  4. superb
  5. prime
  6. outstanding
  7. special
  8. first-class
Adjective
  • Wood has the optimal starting pitching matchup on today’s slate to hit a home run.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Drivers should always take caution when operating an unfamiliar vehicle to avoid mishaps and achieve optimal performance, especially with unfamiliar powertrains (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs).
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimal
Adjective
  • Federal policy calls for additional nuclear capacity, including efforts to begin construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030 and increase the maximum operating power of existing reactors.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • He's made just 15 Cup Series starts and somehow turned those limited opportunities into maximum impact, winning twice.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Lee, so fine in a wide variety of roles from Past Lives to The Morning Show, is superb as a woman playing a role in life as well as piano bars.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Hakai-hen’s mecha anime series lineup was also superb, with my beloved Dancouga included (shown below).
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • This marks mainland Europe's first total eclipse since 1999, with the path of totality sweeping from Russia, across the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland, before culminating in Spain, a prime viewing destination.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The prime way to see the movie is through 70mm IMAX — delivering an ultrasharp, massive physical film image with a taller aspect ratio that reveals up to 40% more picture than cropped digital or standard digital screens.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • At the end of the day, both conferences feature great fanbases, historic, iconic venues, outstanding crowd atmospheres and elite, blue blood programs.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Boasting an outstanding 57-hour battery life, plus a quick 5-minute charge that adds 3 hours of playtime, they are built to power through days of classes without needing an outlet.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • Bloomfield oversees the resort’s culinary activities too, like a fireside supper for two and a special picnic basket to take on a scenic hike.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • She’s hired a former Georgia Supreme Court chief justice as a special prosecutor to get the state’s appellate courts to weigh in.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of special
Adjective
  • This case is small enough for spontaneous games by the lake, in an airport lounge, or after a long lunch that stretches into sunset cocktails—even the simplest games deserve first-class treatment.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Spurs need multiple first-class attacking options to keep up with their rivals.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of first-class

Browse Nearby Words

optimizing
optimum
opting
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Cite this Entry

“Optimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimum. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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