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

Behind the scenes, the brilliant and taciturn spymaster Smiley orchestrates operations while the elusive Soviet mastermind Karla looms in the shadows, setting the stage for a conflict that will define a generation. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Police hunted tirelessly for the mastermind behind the killings, but the case has remained unsolved for more than 40 years. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026

Verb

Roberto Martone masterminded the launch of fragrance manufacturer ICR Industrie Cosmetiche Riunite in 1975, challenging the monopoly of French perfumery with Made in Italy production and collaborating with fashion brands. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Morris Katz, a young Democratic strategist who helped mastermind the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani (and Graham Platner), met Jentleson during Fetterman’s 2022 Senate campaign. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 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