as in classic
something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement
Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are often considered to be his masterpieces
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Recent Examples of masterpiece
There are more classics than could be named here, but these eight masterpieces epitomize the decade’s social and political trajectory like no others.
—
David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026
The play is still the thing for these powerhouse performers, even if drama as good as Arthur Miller’s masterpiece is a rare occurrence in any age.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Scholars have long wondered what influence, if any, Hawthorne may have had over Melville’s masterpiece.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
So many of their masterpieces open with pitter-patter percussion or a kick drum.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masterpiece
David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026
The play is still the thing for these powerhouse performers, even if drama as good as Arthur Miller’s masterpiece is a rare occurrence in any age.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Scholars have long wondered what influence, if any, Hawthorne may have had over Melville’s masterpiece.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
So many of their masterpieces open with pitter-patter percussion or a kick drum.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masterpiece
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterpiece
Noun
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His breakdown moment with Lane’s Willy, whose explosive temper is finally subdued by his son’s desperate need to be seen, draws out all the tragic heartbreak of a classic that has been liberated from the customary domestic trappings only to be made more intimate.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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Who could forget that instant classic?—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Photograph courtesy 2025 Adama Films / Shochiku Yasujirō Ozu, who made dozens of masterworks from the nineteen-thirties through the early sixties, is among the most misunderstood of great directors.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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Whether you’re drawn to ancient history or Renaissance masterworks, each site rewards those who take their time.—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Masterpiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterpiece. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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