maximal

American  

[mak-suh-muhl] / ˈmæk sə məl /

adjective

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

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maximal British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• maximally adverb
• postmaximal adjective
• submaximal adjective

Etymology

Origin of maximal

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

Example Sentences

But that moment of maximal British-American political parallel was also, as it happens, the moment when the parallel began to break down.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

According to the study, "excessive heat, with maximal temperatures exceeding 40°C, can reduce colony populations by impairing the thermoregulation of brood or by exposing adults to temperatures that shorten their lifespans."

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

The Swedish pop sensation has also been behind a make-up trend focused on maximal, glam "Y2K" looks, and that's something Lauren remembers fondly from 2016.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

For this is experiential at its most maximal.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

The problem, you realize, is that while you have been raised to speak quietly and little, the notions of where you come from and who you are need a maximal approach.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee