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

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 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

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

Buelna and another candidate accused Winston of misleading the public by describing himself as an architect and an educator during the campaign when his full-time job is deputy mayor of infrastructure and climate resilience.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
After 144 years of construction, architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, was inaugurated this summer after the final piece of the Tower of Jesus Christ was installed in February.

— Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of architect

Verb

Each crane also required 10 custom connections to the building, engineered to meet local seismic requirements.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
When growth pressures persist, corporate boards frequently turn to executive leadership changes to engineer a turnaround, as demonstrated by this week's executive shakeup at Swiss chocolate maker Lindt.

— , CNBC, 23 Oct. 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

For months, Republicans have suspected that the second Dan Sullivan’s Senate bid was designed to confuse voters as part of a broader scheme allegedly plotted by the Democratic Party to boost Peltola’s chances.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
Procrastination seems the wrong way to describe stories that connect intricately to each other and would seem to involve more forethought and plotting than a full-length novel.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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