MASTERMIND Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

mastermind 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd

Definition of mastermind

as in architect

a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mastermind

2 of 2

verb

as in to engineer

to plan out usually with subtle skill or care he was charged with masterminding a plan to redecorate the suite of offices without seriously disrupting business operations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mastermind

Noun

The Wu-Tang Clan's mastermind has carved out a second career directing mid-level action flicks, and last year's One Spoon of Chocolate is a solid if silly movie. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 During the early weeks of Jill Biden’s tenure, her staff observed her relationship with Bernal, who appeared both the mastermind and enforcer of her approach. — Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

Bentley claims to have focused on four pillars when masterminding the electric SUV. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 23 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 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind

Noun

Designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun, the building, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lake and towering peaks at every turn, feels like part of the landscape.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026
Henge London, which is situated within walking distance of Harrods and fellow Italian design firms like Molteni & C, functions as a corporate space and hub for architects and clients from central and northern Europe.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of architect

Verb

The researchers plan to improve heat transfer, develop more energy-efficient actuation systems, and engineer higher-performance shape-memory alloys.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
In this way, organoids that are engineered to represent the brain, for example, can be modeled after distinct regions, with different types of neurons capable of signaling across regions.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of engineer

Verb

This arrangement combines a larger front wheel for negotiating uneven surfaces with smaller overall proportions suited to tighter riding environments.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
According to various reports, Joe went out and negotiated a new contract without telling Troy.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of negotiate

Verb

Cook County prosecutors on Monday announced the indictment of a Palatine teen who authorities say plotted a mass shooting at an Aurora temple last month.

— Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
And so, in late September, my friend Sarra and I plotted a week-long road trip linking four national parks and three state parks in Utah.

— Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of plot

Verb

Rather than relying on separate mechanisms for navigating terrain and manipulating objects, the robots can use their flexible bodies and gripping claws to perform both functions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
These included being able to carry out cyberattacks at huge scale, manipulating politics, controlling robotics and drones, design of even smarter AI that outpaces human understanding, and even novel weapons development.

— Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

Different manufacturers develop their own interfaces, forcing operators to consider compatibility before arranging fuel transfers.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2026
Our meeting was arranged by Dana Gold, an attorney at the Government Accountability Project, a whistle-blower-advocacy organization.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

This landmark try will follow the first-ever Ship reentry over inhabited areas, as the vehicle will maneuver its way over sparsely populated regions of northern Mexico and southern Texas.

— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 13 Nov. 2026
Anton Lundell maneuvered past three Blue Jackets through the neutral zone before feeding Bennett, who snapped a shot past Talbot.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of maneuver

Browse Nearby Words

masterly

mastermind

masterminded

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Style

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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