maximum 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of maximumnext
1
as in most
of the greatest or highest degree or quantity the maximum amount of time needed to complete the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in utmost
of the highest degree he always puts out maximum effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maximum

2 of 2

noun

ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
as in max
the greatest amount, number, or part achieved the maximum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of maximum
Adjective
If convicted on the kidnapping charges, both men face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to officials. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 July 2026 The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years upon conviction. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
Noun
Because of Micron’s corporate structure, the company needed to take the exemption two times, requiring it to pay on a maximum of $800 million in assessed value, according to Brad Smith, chief deputy at the Ada County Assessor’s Office. — Mark Dee august 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026 The note said that she would be held for a maximum of seven days. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maximum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maximum
  1. most
  2. utmost
  3. max
  4. ultimate
Adjective
  • The group has one more layer of output cuts involving most of its 21 members of around 2 million bpd dating back to 2022.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • When styled correctly, loafers are an all-day shoe that easily take you from the office to after-work drinks, while mom jeans—defined by their high-waist and relaxed fit—are appropriate for most settings while maintaining an effortless aura.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of most
Adjective
  • The underlying theme here is that as AI implementation becomes more widespread, and as the technology keeps getting better, transparency, trust, and credibility are of the utmost importance.
    — Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than fighting the process, Chelsea did their utmost to assist it from day one.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of utmost
Noun
  • Victor Wembanyama took the 25-percent max, instead of a chance at the 30-percent max he would be entitled to receive, so his Spurs could have more flexibility.
    — Dan Woike, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Class 1 of e-bikes are equipped with a motor that works when riders go to a max speed of 20 mph.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026
Definition of max
Adjective
  • Just take it from the ultimate cool-girl celebrity, Miley Cyrus.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The site became available on the heels of two bankruptcies and the ultimate implosion of Rite-Aid, which ceased operations in October 2025 after closing all of its remaining physical stores.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Definition of ultimate

Browse Nearby Words

maxims
maximum
maybe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maximum. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

Nglish: Translation of maximum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maximum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All