What does "acme" mean?
A high point: the highest point of any range, the most developed stage of any process, or the culmination of any field or historical period.
Acme
/ˈæk.mi/ name, noun
name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A high point: the highest point of any range, the most developed stage of any process, or the culmination of any field or historical period.
- Grammar: acme is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: apex, peak, pinnacle, summit.
- Useful contrasts: base, bottom, low point.
- Usage evidence: When he was at the acme of his career, a scandal brought about his downfall.
How to use "acme"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "acme" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "acme" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "acme" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "acme" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "acme" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apex" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "acme", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A high point: the highest point of any range, the most developed stage of any process, or the culmination of any field or historical period.
"The Latin tong, euen whan it was, as the Grecians say, in ακμη, that is, at the hiest pitch of all perfitenesse."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Acme, particularly as a threading format. alt-of, uncountable
- 3 A 29° trapezoidal threading used for various fittings and adapters. uncountable
- 4 the highest point (of something) wordnet
- 5 A paragon: a person or thing representing such a high point.
"The few words of advice she gave him as to escaping political embarrassments, struck him as the acme of wisdom, and as indicating an interest in his well-being of the kindest description;..."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development wordnet
- 7 Full bloom or reproductive maturity. rare
"He must be one that can instruct your youth, And keep your acme in the state of truth"
- 8 Sexual orgasm. euphemistic
"[He] then holds back his own climax for another ten or fifteen minutes of active copulation until his mate signals him that she is about to reach her acme; then they both ecstatically erupt together."
- 9 Synonym of crisis, the decisive moment in the course of an illness.
- 10 Alternative letter-case form of Acme, particularly as a threading format. alt-of
Proper Noun
- 1 Alternative letter-case form of Acme, particularly as a generic company name. alt-of
- 2 A generic or monopoly company.
"Henry knew better than to alienate one of the Acme secretaries."
- 3 A village in Kneehill County, Alberta, Canada.
- 4 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Hamilton Township, Jackson County, Indiana.
- 5 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas.
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Concordia Parish, Louisiana.
- 7 A number of places in the United States:; A township and unincorporated community therein, in Grand Traverse County, Michigan.
- 8 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Columbus County, North Carolina.
- 9 A number of places in the United States:; A township in Hettinger County, North Dakota.
- 10 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Westmoreland County and Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
- 11 A number of places in the United States:; A ghost town in Oklahoma.
- 12 A number of places in the United States:; A ghost town in Texas.
- 13 A number of places in the United States:; A census-designated place in Washington.
- 14 A number of places in the United States:; An unincorporated community in Kanawha County, West Virginia.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"When he was at the acme of his career, a scandal brought about his downfall."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "acme"?
Common synonyms include: apex, peak, pinnacle, summit, acme of perfection, aerial heights.
How do you use "acme" in a sentence?
When he was at the acme of his career, a scandal brought about his downfall.
How do you pronounce "acme"?
Pronounced /ˈæk.mi/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Directly borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀκμή (akmḗ, “point, high point”).
Etymology 2
From acme (“highest, best”). As a threading, from the original 1894 manufacturer, the Acme Screw Machine Company of Hartford, Connecticut. In its use as a generic company for comedic effect or to avoid trademark issues, most popularized by the Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes cartoons but already very commonly used by 20th century American companies as a way to lead the professional listings in yellow page phone books.