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 of mastermind

Noun

• architect
• engineer

Verb

• engineer
• negotiate
• plot
• manipulate
• arrange
• maneuver

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

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are both masterminds in their own right for branding and marketing. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 July 2026

Burton was, of course, the mastermind behind Kate’s 2011 wedding dress. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 June 2026

Verb

Then everyone is shocked to discover that Ray and Shorty have actually masterminded it all. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026

The siblings have been there for one another since day one—and Austin’s even been instrumental in masterminding some of his sister’s biggest moments. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 July 2026

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