mastermind

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​mind ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd How to pronounce mastermind (audio)
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
Synonyms of mastermindnext
: 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

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
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Noun
Roberts, as the mastermind, received an 8-year prison sentence while the others were given house arrest. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2026 Kevin Williamson to take the helm and to see what the mastermind of it all comes up with. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
Cuban officials on Friday said the attack had been masterminded by Maritza Lugo Fernandez, an exile and former political prisoner in Cuba. David Smiley, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2026 Western officials say Russia is masterminding a campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe. ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mastermind was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

mastermind

noun
mas·​ter·​mind
ˈmas-tər-ˌmīnd
ˌmas-tər-ˈmīnd
: a person who invents or directs a project
mastermind verb

More from Merriam-Webster on mastermind

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