max out

verb

maxed out; maxing out; maxes out

intransitive verb

: to reach an upper limit or a peak
the car maxed out at 85 mph

transitive verb

: to push to a limit or an extreme
also : to use up all available credit on
maxed out the credit cards

Examples of max out in a Sentence

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.
If you’re employed, max out contributions to your retirement accounts, like a 401(k) or IRA, especially if your employer offers a match. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 And change isn’t always for the better, with every day another click on James’ odometer that will, in one of the NBA’s great mysteries, eventually max out. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 Now for an ounce of reality: Most people do not max out their 401(k) savings, whatever their applicable contribution limit. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 Vampire squid generally max out at a foot long — not exactly an intimidating size. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for max out 

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of max out was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near max out

Cite this Entry

“Max out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/max%20out. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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!