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
Meanwhile, Cirie was off being a mastermind — using a subtle touch to push the vote away from her ride-or-die Ozzy and towards Savannah. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026 Celebrity stylists have long been the masterminds behind some of the most iconic looks in pop culture. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
What happens to her — a deadly warning from the man’s criminal boss father — sets in motion two generations of retribution masterminded by one of the cruelest characters Burton has given us. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026 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 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 14 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

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