maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 
plural maxima
ˈmak-sə-mə
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically
: the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum
adjective
Examples of maximum in a Sentence
achieved the maximum
Recent Examples on the Web
If convicted, both men face a maximum of 20 years in jail.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
To promote new points of view and enhance member involvement, the new amendment states that governors may serve on their BECs for a maximum of six years after the completion of their governor service, whether consecutively or not.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
The scores of all three dimensions were added on an equal percentage basis to form the final ranking score of a maximum of 100 points.
—Time Staff, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
If convicted, Montanez would face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of a life term, according to officials.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maximum
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Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
To promote new points of view and enhance member involvement, the new amendment states that governors may serve on their BECs for a maximum of six years after the completion of their governor service, whether consecutively or not.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
The scores of all three dimensions were added on an equal percentage basis to form the final ranking score of a maximum of 100 points.
—Time Staff, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
If convicted, Montanez would face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of a life term, according to officials.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum
adjective
Medical Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum
adjective
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