optimum

adjective

Definition of optimumnext
as in optimal

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 optimum But hotter springs and summers are accelerating the grape-ripening process, creating more sugary fruit and narrowing the optimum picking window for Champagne. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026 By cutting the physical link between engine and wheels, Nissan software allows the engine to run at optimum thermal efficiency. — New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026 The number was worked out by structural engineers as the optimum number for a balancing game. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 The engine also features larger intake valves and hydrogen-specific injectors to enable optimum fuel-to-air mixing within the cylinders. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026 Different varieties of turfgrasses will have different optimum heights of cut. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 The optimum amount of sleep varies by individual, but most people need between seven and nine hours a night. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 8 July 2026 In many cases, the optimum starting age is 70, which is the maximum starting age with the highest monthly benefit. — Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 This attentive approach means the team maintains a clear picture of what each person’s path of recovery should look like for optimum effectiveness. — K.h. Koehler, Ascend Agency, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimum
  1. optimal
  2. maximum
  3. excellent
  4. superb
  5. prime
  6. outstanding
  7. special
  8. first-class
Adjective
  • Unlike many private cask programs that offer relatively young whisky with the promise of future maturity, Casks of Distinction focuses exclusively on casks that Diageo’s master whisky makers believe have reached their optimal moment for release.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Ellison, having just migrated Paramount out of New York last year, didn’t consider this the optimal time for a move but needed a contingency plan so the numbers on the merger made more sense, according to a person familiar with the situation.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimal
Adjective
  • Federal policy calls for additional nuclear capacity, including efforts to begin construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030 and increase the maximum operating power of existing reactors.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • He's made just 15 Cup Series starts and somehow turned those limited opportunities into maximum impact, winning twice.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of maximum
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • For a vibrant alfresco experience, COYA City's courtyard provides lighter Peruvian dishes, ceviches, and superb cocktails, perfect for summer lunches.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The robot did a superb job of cleaning the floors, walls, and surface of my 16-by-32-foot in-ground pool.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The prime location and low light pollution make AutoCamp a solid stargazing location, so most guests return after dark.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Deco is now accelerating further exits, with Jules Kounde and Marc Casado as prime candidates.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of prime
Adjective
  • That vulnerable performance earned Ahmed an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Losing access to the credit card doesn't eliminate the outstanding balance, though.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • That aching ballad about wanting more, aside from being one of the big showstoppers, holds a special place for Greene.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The latter can be superbly made, and can add something special to the process, but does require a little more practice to get comfortable with.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of special
Adjective
  • But the most damning evidence that something is going on here is that Ariana gives up her first-class ticket home to sit next to Charlie in economy.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This case is small enough for spontaneous games by the lake, in an airport lounge, or after a long lunch that stretches into sunset cocktails—even the simplest games deserve first-class treatment.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of first-class

Browse Nearby Words

optimizing
optimum
opting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimum. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on optimum

Nglish: Translation of optimum for Spanish Speakers

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of zeugma

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
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
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All