mas·ter·mind
ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd 
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project
masterminded; masterminding; masterminds
: to be the mastermind of
Synonyms
Examples of mastermind in a Sentence
Noun
the mastermind behind the terrorist plot
the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme
Verb
They masterminded a unique solution to the problem.
He masterminded the bank robbery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Multiple players were suspicious of the police officer for his background as a strategic mastermind.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016 and has masterminded an unprecedented period of success since then.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind 
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.
Noun
Seeing the name Chris Smith (mastermind behind American Movie) makes a documentary a must-watch, and WHAM!
—Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Multiple players were suspicious of the police officer for his background as a strategic mastermind.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
The slightly enigmatic, behind-the-scenes Artistic Director who has masterminded indelible moments of pop culture that belies his out-of-the-spotlight persona.
—Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016 and has masterminded an unprecedented period of success since then.
—Sam Lee, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind
Dictionary Entries Near mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share