masterpiece

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masterpiece" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a work of art, literature, or any creative endeavor that is considered outstanding or exemplary. Example: "The artist's latest painting is truly a masterpiece, showcasing her incredible talent and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some saw it as a masterpiece, others as a bore.

The Guardian - Film

And they were right – his comment on the matter reads like a masterpiece of stuttering reticence: "It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the actions of some offenders were influenced… at least to some degree, by the fact that the deceased was an Aboriginal person".

The Guardian

Almost one year after flames engulfed Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece, destroying students' work moments before the degree show and leaving the world's architectural community speechless, as if they had lost a dear old friend, work has just begun on the problem of how to rebuild it.

The Guardian - Arts

Germinal, considered his masterpiece and filmed several times, shows a whole village being drawn into the gruelling depths of a mine and then, later, the power of that same mass of people as they choose to go on strike.

The Guardian - Books

We're now in the top 20 and it's one of my favourites of the year – Kanye West's foot-on-the-throat glam rock masterpiece Black Skinhead.

The Guardian

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Bereny's long-lost masterpiece on the wall behind Hugh Laurie.

The Guardian

In 1852 he started on his masterpiece, Work, a sprawling multi-figured composition which went someway to meeting Baudelaire's urgent demand that artists should take as their subject "the heroism of modern life".

The Guardian - Arts

First recounted in Spillover, which Walter Isaacson called a frightening and fascinating masterpiece, The Chimp and the River is the true account of how an unnoticed chimpanzee infection became a human plague.

The Guardian

What is striking, though, is how flat and dull his portrait of a Genoese noblewoman looks alongside his master's masterpiece.

The Guardian - Arts

The overbearing moralistic tone was explicit in Charles Kingsley's The Water-Babies, a masterpiece in its bizarre way, but one of the most unpleasant works of fiction I have ever read.

The Guardian - Books

Craske's widow gave the Dunkirk embroidery, which she regarded as his masterpiece despite the poignant patch of bare unfinished canvas in the sky, to the Norwich Castle museum.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a work as a “masterpiece”, briefly explain the qualities that justify such a high appraisal. This adds credibility to your assessment and provides context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid labeling every piece of creative work as a "masterpiece". Overusing the term diminishes its impact and can make your assessment seem less credible. Reserve it for truly exceptional works.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masterpiece" functions as a noun, typically referring to a work of art, literature, or other creation that is widely considered to be of exceptional quality and significance. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe films, books, and musical works.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Arts

20%

Books

14%

Less common in

Sport

2%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "masterpiece" is a noun used to describe an exceptional work of art, literature, or craftsmanship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Arts", and "Books" contexts, reflecting its role in evaluating and celebrating cultural achievements. While the term carries a high degree of praise, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "magnum opus" and "work of art" can be used to add variety. Remember that overusing the term diminishes its impact, so reserve it for works that genuinely merit such high acclaim. Given the high source quality and consistent application, "masterpiece" remains a valuable and effective term for expressing admiration for outstanding creative works.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnum opus

Latin term for a great work; emphasizes the scale and ambition of the achievement.

work of art

Broader term applicable to any artistic creation of high quality.

tour de force

Highlights exceptional skill and technique in execution.

classic

Refers to a work recognized for its enduring value and impact over time.

outstanding achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment and level of excellence.

stellar creation

Emphasizes the brilliance and high quality of the work.

excellent piece

A simple and direct way to express high regard for the work.

brilliant work

Highlights the intelligence and ingenuity behind the creation.

landmark creation

Highlights a creation which sets a new precedent or serves as a benchmark

ultimate achievement

Emphasizes this is the most important/greatest work produced

FAQs

How to use "masterpiece" in a sentence?

You can use "masterpiece" to describe any work of outstanding creativity, skill, or workmanship. For example: "'The Mona Lisa' is considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance era."

What can I say instead of "masterpiece"?

You can use alternatives like "magnum opus", "work of art", or "tour de force" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "masterpiece" or "master piece"?

"Masterpiece" is the correct spelling. "Master piece" as two words is not standard usage.

What makes a work a "masterpiece"?

A "masterpiece" is typically defined by its exceptional creativity, technical skill, and lasting impact. It often receives widespread critical acclaim and is considered a defining work within its genre or field.