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
David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
The Americana band’s mastermind, Daniel Bateman, put the project on hold for four years before bringing his brother, Steve, into the previously one-man-band in 2023.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Sixty-five years ago, my grandfather masterminded a robbery at a historic Los Angeles estate.
—Jennifer Cannon, Vanity Fair, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
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Noun
The al-Qaeda mastermind and chief was killed in a daring SEAL Team 6 raid deep into Pakistan in May 2011.
—David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
The Americana band’s mastermind, Daniel Bateman, put the project on hold for four years before bringing his brother, Steve, into the previously one-man-band in 2023.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prosecutors say Robert Sabiron Rubillar and Liezyl Rubillar, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Legal Systems Billing Solutions, masterminded the scheme.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Sixty-five years ago, my grandfather masterminded a robbery at a historic Los Angeles estate.
—Jennifer Cannon, Vanity Fair, 7 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 2026.
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