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 At almost 1,500 pages, the most magnum of Italian magnum opuses was first printed in 1950. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnum opus
masterpiece
Noun
  • After a great box office run with a global cume of $224 million, The Social Network continues to be heralded as a masterpiece of its era.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In keeping with the film‘s maximalist vibe, the noise around it keeps whipsawing in different directions, with defenders calling it a misunderstood masterpiece and detractors equally fervent in calling it a complete artistic disaster.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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