optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
: 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.
Over-committing to a strategy during the draft or a player during the season is not optimal. Renee Miller, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 The researchers in this study note that working out between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. may be optimal for heart health.15 Downsides One of the biggest drawbacks to afternoon exercise is scheduling. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Jan. 2025 Under optimal conditions, and at $155/MWh ($0.15/KWh), Empire Wind 1 could theoretically bring the overall cost of electricity down to 30.1 cents, but don't hold your breath on that being passed onto customers. New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2025 Traditionally, researchers have to conduct several trial-and-error experiments on petri dishes in order to determine the optimal conditions microbes need to produce high amounts of chemicals. Blaise Manga Enuh, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near optimal

Cite this Entry

“Optimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimal. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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