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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The displays can be arranged in either landscape or portrait orientation, depending on your preferences.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Paddle surf excursions can be booked via the concierge, as well as leather workshops, wine or olive oil tastings, vineyard tours, and boat trips—all are arranged via local third-party companies to ensure the most authentic experience possible.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

Prompted by the combat emergence of maneuvering threats like Russia’s Kinzhal and Zircon missiles, European military planners realized traditional air defenses were falling behind.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
With the Democratic majority in the 435-member House growing well past the 218 needed and the Senate Democrats holding at least 54 of 100 seats in that chamber, Jeffries and Schumer will have room to maneuver.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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