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

Sooper’s magnum opus to date is a three-disc retrospective of the polymathic composer, pianist, dancer and DIY stalwart Charles Joseph Smith, released in April. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

In his 1801 magnum opus Disquisitiones Arithmeticae, German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss wrote about a cyclical mystery. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026

Now regarded as Paul Simon’s magnum opus, Graceland turns 40 this month—a fitting excuse for AIR MAIL to revisit it. — Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026

Smith was already at Primavera to play — The Cure headlined the festival on Friday, their first show since their 2024 magnum opus Songs of a Lost World, one of their best albums ever. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2026

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