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.
Worse still, there was a negative correlation for maximal contractions against an immoveable force: higher vitamin D levels were associated with smaller max force. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 22 Jan. 2025 Surround it with smaller plants of varying leaf textures like peace lilies and ferns to put the maximal in a maximalist room. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025 My Forbes dispatches from CES continue to champion maximal regulatory liberalization, making Pivot or Die especially relevant in considering how business and technological pivots might inform policy ones, and vice-versa. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 For example, exposure of your IP address has low impact, while exposure of your username and password has maximal impact. PCMAG, 7 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near maximal

Cite this Entry

“Maximal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximal. Accessed 31 Jan. 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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