optimal

adjective

op·​ti·​mal ˈäp-tə-məl How to pronounce optimal (audio)
Synonyms of optimalnext
: 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.
People also differ on what grind is optimal; a coarser grind seems to work best for me. Jakob Schiller, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026 The automatic tools in competing apps, such as Lightroom and Photoshop, continue to improve thanks to AI algorithms that determine optimal adjustments. Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026 Periodic conditioning restored the battery to optimal performance. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026 The optimal level of LDL is lower and the risk threshold for prescribing better diet and physical activity, drugs, or both has also been adjusted downward. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 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 17 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on optimal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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