masterpiece

Artist's crowning achievement

A masterpiece is a work of outstanding skill or artistry—the finest example of someone's creative output.

Originally it meant the piece submitted by a craftsman to prove mastery of a trade and gain admission to a guild.

Now it applies broadly to exceptional achievements: Her third novel is considered her masterpiece.

The word can be used loosely or ironically for anything done particularly well: This lasagna is a masterpiece.

achievement

magnum opus

Creator's supreme achievement

pinnacle · triumph · feat · accomplishment · marvel · wonder · excellence · perfection · genius · breakthrough

art

painting

Pigment on canvas

composition · brushwork · museum · portrait · fresco · mural · exhibition · collector · restoration · original

Categories
Opposites
quality/achievement

masterpiecedisaster

Sudden ruinous event

failure · fiasco · catastrophe · flop · dud

completion/polish

masterpiecerough draft

Unpolished first attempt

draft · sketch · first draft · unfinished work · work in progress

significance/impact

masterpiecemediocrity

Quality of being average

potboiler · throwaway · nadir · low point · ephemera

Phrases
Family

masterpieces

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G