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
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Recent Examples of magnum opus
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
Yet while Alfa Romeo recently saluted its magnum opus with a new 33 Stradale based on sibling marque Maserati’s MC20 supercar, the R33 from Automotive Artisans is far closer to the original.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
After years of editing, what was to become Wallace’s magnum opus was published on February 1, 1996.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
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
Yet while Alfa Romeo recently saluted its magnum opus with a new 33 Stradale based on sibling marque Maserati’s MC20 supercar, the R33 from Automotive Artisans is far closer to the original.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
After years of editing, what was to become Wallace’s magnum opus was published on February 1, 1996.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnum opus
masterpiece
Noun
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Beautifully balanced with savory, sweet, salty and subtly-spicy flavor, these pecans are a hit by the handful or sprinkled on top of leafy green masterpieces like Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad or Kale and Roasted Beet Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
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This is a masterpiece of modernist Chinese architecture and design from China’s first Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu whose work is a poetic alternative to the country’s generic glass and steel highrises.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Magnum opus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnum%20opus. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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