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

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

Overmyer would write on Simon’s magnum opus, The Wire, and co-create New Orleans psycho-geographical trauma Treme with him. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

Simultaneously, Levinson has been gearing up for the release of the third season of his magnum opus, which returns to HBO on April 12 and is set five years after the last season ended. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026

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