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

Two years after the masterminds behind the College Football Playoff tripled the field from four to 12 teams, the annual postseason tournament is about to be expanded even further. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins is the mastermind behind the red carpet—and totally show-stopping—looks. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

This year’s lingerie spectacular was no different, with Dame Pat McGrath masterminding the baby winged eyeliner and pink cheeks, while Guido Palau executed the blowouts. — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

British prosecutors said it was masterminded by Russia’s intelligence services. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 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