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.
The new study had 17 volunteers complete an incremental cycling test to exhaustion, lasting roughly ten minutes, with and without a series of five maximal breath-holds with face submerged in water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024 Blurry is maximal minimalism: nearly 500 pages of characters discovering themselves and their (blurry) connections to each other and the world. Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 These three barbell movements help powerlifters express their maximal strength capacity. Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Dec. 2024 Bloomberg Economics projects the maximal version of the plan, with the across-the-board tariff at 20%, would lower U.S. GDP by 0.8% and add 4.3% to inflation by 2028 if China alone retaliates. Tribune News Service, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near maximal

Cite this Entry

“Maximal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximal. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

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!