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
Other artists have spent decades laboring over their magnum opuses—Michael Heizer and James Turrell, with their sprawling land projects in the American West (City and Roden Crater, respectively), spring to mind—but few, if any, have worked only on those pieces.
—
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
After being glued to Nuggets’ bench, Peyton Watson responds with 3-point barrage in front of OKC’s bench
Nikola Jokic knows this is his magnum opus.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
The pop star in question is Alfred Moretti (played by John Malkovich), an enigmatic music icon who, after decades out of the spotlight, re-emerges to announce a new album billed as his magnum opus.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
The pop star in question is Alfred Moretti (played by John Malkovich), an enigmatic music icon who, after decades out of the spotlight, re-emerges to announce a new album billed as his magnum opus.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
After being glued to Nuggets’ bench, Peyton Watson responds with 3-point barrage in front of OKC’s bench
Nikola Jokic knows this is his magnum opus.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
The pop star in question is Alfred Moretti (played by John Malkovich), an enigmatic music icon who, after decades out of the spotlight, re-emerges to announce a new album billed as his magnum opus.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
The pop star in question is Alfred Moretti (played by John Malkovich), an enigmatic music icon who, after decades out of the spotlight, re-emerges to announce a new album billed as his magnum opus.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for magnum opus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnum opus
masterpiece
Noun
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The Casa is adjacent to the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and sits in quiet dialogue with the Baroque architectural masterpiece, promising not to compete but to converse.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Whether that’s a full meal, or amazing sides and options to go with his grilling masterpiece, these local favorites will turn any casual meal into a feast, all delivered right to your door (or patio!).—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Magnum opus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnum%20opus. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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