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

Through mentorship circles, masterminds, and deepening relationships with the community, investments can be made in expanding collective wisdom. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025

Opening for Gaspard Augé and Xavier De Rosnay on this east coast swing is none other than Kevin Parker, the mastermind behind Tame Impala. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2025

Verb

The former president has since been indicted for masterminding an insurrection, abusing power and attempting treason. —NPR, 3 Dec. 2025

Read and two other women, including Jennifer McCabe, a suburban soccer mom accused of masterminding the cover-up, found him. —Michael Ruiz , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 19 Nov. 2025

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