maximal

adjective

max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: being an upper limit : highest
2
: most comprehensive : complete
maximally adverb

Examples of maximal 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.
To close the week, JT’s jet black waist-length hair proved summer isn’t just for braids, while her pink pedi and neon French tips turned a minimal look maximal. Essence, 16 June 2025 Hypertrophy training to build muscle mass, as maximal strength depends on the amount of muscle. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 15 June 2025 And yet your muscles are already getting fatigued during this initial burst, losing some of their maximal force, while hydrogen ion levels are still lower than normal. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 24 Apr. 2025 And Just Like That is almost upon us—and with it, another series full of increasingly maximal, mad fashion choices. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for maximal

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximal was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Maximal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

maximal

adjective
max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: being an upper limit : highest
maximal growth
2
: most comprehensive : complete
maximal recovery

Medical Definition

maximal

adjective
max·​i·​mal ˈmak-s(ə-)məl How to pronounce maximal (audio)
1
: most complete or effective
maximal dental protection
maximal vasodilation
2
: being an upper limit
the maximal levels achieved with subcutaneous injectionsW. S. Hoffman
maximally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maximal

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