magnum opus

noun

ˈmag-nəm-ˈō-pəs How to pronounce magnum opus (audio)
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

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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
  • This Victoria Falls masterpiece is, as its name suggests, modeled on the rich colors of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, which sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where the Zambezi River plunges over a basalt cliff.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Today's Walmart Deals of the Day feature epic discounts on high-performance audio gear to make your daily routine a musical masterpiece.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of masterpiece

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magnum opus
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Cite this Entry

“Magnum opus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnum%20opus. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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