a work of art, skill, or ingenuity that is the best of its kind
The chef's new tasting menu was considered a true masterpiece by all the critics.
The spring landscape unfolded before us like a masterpiece painted in vivid greens.
showing no activity, growth, or movement; lacking energy or vitality
The stagnant water in the pond began to smell after weeks without rain.
She felt her career had grown stagnant and decided to take on new challenges.
intense and passionate feeling or enthusiasm
The volunteers worked with great fervor to rebuild the flood-damaged community.
She spoke about environmental issues with such fervor that the audience was moved.
fine sand, clay, or other material carried and deposited by water; used figuratively for accumulated burdens
Years of unspoken resentment had settled like silt at the bottom of their friendship.
She felt weighed down by the silt of old regrets she had never dealt with.
no longer valid, effective, or useful; past its due date
He was still holding onto expired dreams that no longer suited his life.
Some of our beliefs act like expired medicine — kept around out of habit, not necessity.