maximal

[ mak-suh-muhl ]

adjective

1. of or being a maximum; greatest possible; highest.

maximal

/ ˈmæksɪməl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or achieving a maximum; being the greatest or best possible
2. maths (of a member of an ordered set) being preceded, in order, by all other members of the set

Derived Forms

• ˈmaximally, adverb

Other Words From

• maxi·mal·ly adverb
• post·maxi·mal adjective
• sub·maxi·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maximal¹

First recorded in 1880–85; maxim(um) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Still, Bouie is right: If Trump wants to marshal hundreds — or more likely thousands — of people into risking prison on his behalf, he will need to bring maximal powers of personal persuasion to bear.

From Salon

The plan emphasizes local control over housing policies, opposing federal efforts to weaken single-family zoning and advocating for maximal flexibility in local land use and zoning decisions.

From Salon

He does not engage in the sort of maximal resistance that other places did.

From Salon

Powell’s obituaries carefully praised him for arguing against “maximal resistance” to the court’s order and depicted him as a bridge between old and new South.

From Slate

Since that makes no sense, clearly it was just that Trump wanted his big night scripted with maximal testosterone, to amuse himself.

From Slate