as in classics
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 masterpieces
Paintings by Gustav Klimt, Henri Matisse, Egon Schiele, Amedeo Modigliani, Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud are among the dozens of masterpieces being sold by UK billionaire Joe Lewis and his daughter, Vivienne, at Sotheby’s in London in June.
—
Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
As with the first quartet that dropped in 2022, the new references also celebrate the Louvre’s ancient masterpieces.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
This truly does feel like a movie that will be on someone’s list of underappreciated masterpieces in a few years, so why not see if that someone is you?
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
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
So many of their masterpieces open with pitter-patter percussion or a kick drum.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Along the way, masterpieces are made, gloves are bedazzled, moons are walked.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Gape at artistic masterpieces at the Museo e Bosco Reale di Capodimonte.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
With every petal peeled and stem snipped, Phoebe Rupp, Maddie Cofer and Ava Sudbeck are assembling their masterpieces.
—Bo Evans, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
As with the first quartet that dropped in 2022, the new references also celebrate the Louvre’s ancient masterpieces.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
This truly does feel like a movie that will be on someone’s list of underappreciated masterpieces in a few years, so why not see if that someone is you?
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
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
So many of their masterpieces open with pitter-patter percussion or a kick drum.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Along the way, masterpieces are made, gloves are bedazzled, moons are walked.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
Gape at artistic masterpieces at the Museo e Bosco Reale di Capodimonte.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
With every petal peeled and stem snipped, Phoebe Rupp, Maddie Cofer and Ava Sudbeck are assembling their masterpieces.
—Bo Evans, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterpieces
Noun
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At its peak the mall, which first opened its doors to the public in 1976, was home to more than a hundred retailers, boasting stores remembered as American classics.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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From comforting classics to a few new-school favorites, these five pasta recipes were on the top of everyone's list.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
9 May 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
“Masterpieces.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterpieces. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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