Synonyms of mastermind

mastermind 1 of 2

noun

ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd 

as in architect

a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking

the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme

Synonyms & Similar Words

• architect
• engineer
• leader
• organizer
• designer
• maker
• originator
• manager
• builder
• pioneer
• developer
• producer
• director
• commander
• inaugurator
• schemer
• handler
• initiator
• plotter
• planner
• inspirer
• contriver
• formulator
• quarterback
• generator
• arranger
• captain
• maneuverer
• instituter
• spawner
• hatcher
• machinator
• finagler

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

• engineer
• negotiate
• plot
• manipulate
• arrange
• maneuver
• contrive
• conclude
• finesse
• scheme
• manage
• frame
• machinate
• concert
• wangle
• work out
• intrigue
• finagle
• hammer out
• connive
• hatch
• concoct
• direct
• conduct
• compass
• angle (for)
• cook (up)
• handle
• brew
• command
• captain
• run
• quarterback
• gerrymander

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• butcher
• gum (up)
• blow
• bungle
• botch
• mess (up)
• fumble
• mangle
• mishandle
• flub
• louse up
• muff
• bobble

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mastermind

Noun

Prosecutors alleged the four men were among the masterminds behind the plot to kill the Haitian president. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is a football mastermind, Coach of the Year award winner, and a Super Bowl Champion. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Verb

However, off the field, the leadership style of the man tasked with masterminding a new era at Anfield is understated. — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Davis was arrested in 2023 and indicted for masterminding the killing and providing the gun. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026