optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
Synonyms of optimal
: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum
the optimal use of class time
the optimal dosage of medication for a patient
conditions for optimal development
optimality noun
optimally adverb

Examples of optimal in a Sentence

He keeps his engine tuned for optimal performance. Under optimal conditions, these plants grow quite tall.
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.
Levine said it wasn’t brought to court because his lawyers were waiting for a strategically optimal time to introduce it. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings, determine how long treatment effects last and establish optimal dosing and treatment duration both for people with HIV and the broader population. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 The displacement hull, developed with input from Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup team, has also been engineered for optimal hydrogeneration and speed. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 June 2026 Breathable, or at least lighter, fabrics like natural silk and chiffon are optimal for warm weather, while denser fabrics like heavy satin, brocade, and velvet are well-suited to fall and winter weddings. Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimal

Word History

Etymology

optim(um) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimal was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimal. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

optimal

adjective
op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
optimally adverb

Medical Definition

optimal

adjective
op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
: most desirable or satisfactory : optimum
optimal concentrations of a drug
optimality noun
plural optimalities
optimally adverb

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