Definition of magnum opusnext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnum opus
masterpiece
Noun
  • But early in the third, Chambliss made the only real mistake of his near masterpiece.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, don’t overlook the fact that Netflix’s Possible Love, the latest masterpiece from Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong, finished second in the voting for the international audience award.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Magnum opus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnum%20opus. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!