Maximum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈmak-s(ə-)məm/ max·i·mum

Meaning & Definition of Maximum

Maximum (noun)

  1. the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
  2. the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
  3. an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

Maximum (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of the greatest or highest degree or quantity

    "the maximum amount of time needed to complete the project"

    similar: consummate, last, max, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, ultimate, utmost, uttermost
    related: unequaled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled, unsurpassed, biggest, hugest, largest, topmost, upmost, uppermost
    opposite: least, minimal, minimum, slightest
    near: littlest, minutest, smallest, tiniest, lowest, fewest

  2. of the highest degree

    "he always puts out maximum effort"

    similar: full, greatest, top, topmost, utmost, utter
    related: heightened, high
    opposite: least, littlest, lowest, minimal, minimum, slightest
    near: lessened, low

Maximum (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the greatest amount, number, or part

    "achieved the maximum"

    similar: max, most, outside
    related: best, ultimate, utmost, extreme
    opposite: least, minimum

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Maximum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Maximum:

consummate, last, max, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, ultimate, utmost, uttermost, full, greatest, topmost, utter

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Maximum

Words with the opposite meaning of Maximum:

least, minimal, minimum, slightest, littlest, lowest

Related Words for Maximum

unequaled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled, unsurpassed, biggest, hugest, largest, upmost, uppermost, heightened, high, best, extreme

Near Antonyms of Maximum

minutest, smallest, tiniest, fewest, lessened, low

Word Forms of Maximum

Inflections: maxima, maximums

Derived words: maximum (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Maximum

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest maxim

First known use: 1663

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Maximum

Words & Phrases Containing Maximum

maximum likelihood, maximum occupancy, maximum security prison

Frequently Asked Questions about Maximum

What does "Maximum" mean?

"Maximum" means the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Maximum"?

Other words for "Maximum" include consummate, last, max, most, nth, outside, paramount and supreme. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Maximum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Maximum"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Maximum". Common alternatives include consummate, last, max, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top and ultimate.

What is the opposite of "Maximum"?

Antonyms of "Maximum" include least, minimal, minimum, slightest, littlest and lowest. Near antonyms include minutest, smallest, tiniest and fewest.

How do you use "Maximum" in a sentence?

Examples of "Maximum" in a sentence: "the maximum amount of time needed to complete the project"; "he always puts out maximum effort"; "achieved the maximum".

Is "Maximum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Maximum" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Maximum" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Maximum" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Maximum"?

"Maximum" is pronounced /ˈmak-s(ə-)məm/ and divided into syllables as max·i·mum.