mastermind

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​mind ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd 

ˌmas-tər-ˈ

: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project

mastermind

2 of 2

verb

masterminded; masterminding; masterminds

transitive verb

: to be the mastermind of

Synonyms

Noun

• architect
• engineer

Verb

• contrive
• engineer
• finagle
• finesse
• frame
• machinate
• maneuver
• manipulate
• negotiate
• wangle

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

Noun

Hajizadeh was the mastermind of Iran’s previous attack on Israel in April 2024 as well as the missile attack on a US base in Iraq in 2020. —Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

Wilson was the mastermind behind the Pet Sounds sessions, working alongside famed studio musicians the Wrecking Crew. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 11 June 2025

Verb

According to journalist and author Adrian Tame, who penned a 1996 biography on Kath, the notorious Aussie didn't exactly mastermind her criminal empire. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 17 June 2025

Today, Palmeiras’s Abel Ferreira is another manager who can mastermind great victories with a defensive mindset, even more so in knockout competitions. —Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mastermind

• countersigned
• disinclined
• humankind
• interlined
• intertwined
• misaligned
• nonaligned
• predefined
• realigned
• reassigned
• recombined
• redefined

Kids Definition

mastermind

noun

mas·​ter·​mind

ˈmas-tər-ˌmīnd,

ˌmas-tər-ˈmīnd

: a person who invents or directs a project

mastermind verb