Synonyms of magnum opus

magnum opus

noun

ˈmag-nəm-ˈō-pəs 

as in masterpiece

something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement

this symphony is usually considered Beethoven's magnum opus

Synonyms & Similar Words

• masterpiece
• classic
• chef d'oeuvre
• masterwork
• tour de force
• pièce de résistance
• success
• showpiece
• masterstroke
• winner
• blockbuster
• gem
• prize
• treasure
• jewel
• megahit
• smash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• failure
• disaster
• bomb
• catastrophe
• loser
• fiasco
• turkey
• debacle
• flop
• washout
• dud
• clunker
• fizzle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of magnum opus

Across the lagoon, the domes and facades of St Marks look like a set designer’s magnum opus. — Grace Banks, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026

This research wouldn't have been possible with a quirk of the cosmos first posited by Albert Einstein in his 1915 magnum opus theory of gravity, general relativity. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026

As the political philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) wrote in his magnum opus Leviathan, there would be no culture, no navigation, no knowledge of the face of the earth, no arts, no letters, no society; instead, there would be rapes, thefts, murders, and continual fear of violence. — George G. Szpiro, Big Think, 9 Apr. 2026

Sixteen years on from her magnum opus, Body Talk, Robyn’s influence looms large. — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026

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