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
Ben Hubbard Sergey Ponomarev, New York Times, 1 June 2024
Thinking Mariano was the mastermind behind the plan to get her out, Mitchell went to him next.
—Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024
New York Times, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024
For that fateful final trick shot, anyone else might have masterminded an elaborate trick-shot-to-end-all-trick-shots, finishing off the year with an eye-popping spectacle.
—Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind 
Noun
Years later, the prisoner became a mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack.
—Ben Hubbard Sergey Ponomarev, New York Times, 1 June 2024
Thinking Mariano was the mastermind behind the plan to get her out, Mitchell went to him next.
—Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024
Verb
Trump has been trying to goad Biden into engaging on the New York case as well as the other indictments by falsely accusing the president of masterminding them.
—New York Times, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024
For that fateful final trick shot, anyone else might have masterminded an elaborate trick-shot-to-end-all-trick-shots, finishing off the year with an eye-popping spectacle.
—Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mastermind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
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