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
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
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
In December 2025, Karol G told Rolling Stone that sought-after choreographer Parris Goebel is the mastermind behind the singer’s Coachella performance.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
After reluctantly agreeing to be a temporary adviser, Jobs took over as CEO and masterminded an innovation factory that churned out the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad in a decade-long burst of feverish creativity.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
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
Celebrity stylist Jamie Mizrahi, the (unconfirmed) mastermind behind the Duchess’s As Ever era.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
In December 2025, Karol G told Rolling Stone that sought-after choreographer Parris Goebel is the mastermind behind the singer’s Coachella performance.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Among other things, Timerman was accused of masterminding a plot to establish a Jewish homeland in the remote Patagonia region of southern Argentina.
—Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
After reluctantly agreeing to be a temporary adviser, Jobs took over as CEO and masterminded an innovation factory that churned out the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad in a decade-long burst of feverish creativity.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
