as in composition
a literary, musical, or artistic production
the composer's final opus was performed posthumously to great acclaim
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 opus
The 10-song opus is the first-ever record to reach such a feat, securing its standing as the country’s bestselling album of all time.
—
Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
James Cameron’s opus needed a few days of 2026 to get there.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Jan. 2026
On purely literary merits, though, the book is, at best, a mediocris opus.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
Josh Safdie’s table-tennis opus Marty Supreme picked up three nominations, but none for the score by Oneohtrix Point Never’s Daniel Lopatin.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opus
Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
James Cameron’s opus needed a few days of 2026 to get there.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Jan. 2026
On purely literary merits, though, the book is, at best, a mediocris opus.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025
Josh Safdie’s table-tennis opus Marty Supreme picked up three nominations, but none for the score by Oneohtrix Point Never’s Daniel Lopatin.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opus
Noun
-
This composition would have made ancient tools harder and more durable than standard copper — a significant advantage for a drill bit that needed to bore through resistant materials.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
That composition would have made the tool harder and more durable than standard copper — a real functional advantage for a piece meant to bore through resistant materials.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Effective verification would likely entail having the abductor — or abductee — provide a unique piece of information only a handful of people would know.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The 325-piece set captures charming details like Glinda’s pink dress, bubble wand, and tiara, and Elphaba’s green skin and signature broom.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This work offers a new platform for designing efficient photo-electrocatalysts and advancing next-generation solar–electrochemical energy conversion systems.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The opening night celebration in September features violinist Joshua Bell, after which Shelley will guide the season through a series of classic works, beginning with Mahler’s Second Symphony.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yet here a masterpiece lies before him, because greatness is really nothing more than a million tiny steps, and occasionally, a spouse to at least tolerate the journey.—
Steve Hartman,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Two 'unique masterpieces' are built each year under what is known as Programme Solitaire.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Opus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opus. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
