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

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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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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

Both Flores and new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley are defensive masterminds, so hopefully this will be a quite the chess match. — Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Federal prosecutors allege Eidleh was the mastermind who bilked taxpayers out of $250 million by exploiting federal child nutrition programs meant to feed vulnerable children. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026

Verb

The siblings have been there for one another since day one—and Austin’s even been instrumental in masterminding some of his sister’s biggest moments. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Last year, both Karen Read, acquitted of killing her Boston cop boyfriend in June, and Sherri Papini, who served time for masterminding her own 2016 kidnapping in California, participated in documentaries about their cases. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind

Noun

Miles Smith is an architect and solutions manager at home design software company Graphisoft.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
Designed by the renowned Italian architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas of Studio Fuksas, the building was mostly completed in 2012 but has never been opened.

— News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026

Definition of architect

Verb

Fiji didn't concede to Scotland until the 14th minute, a try by lock Jonny Gray from a break engineered by midfield clubmates McDowall and Ollie Smith.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Restaurants must intentionally engineer experiences and incentives that guide guests past that specific loyalty threshold.

— Joseph Edgar, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of engineer

Verb

At that point, if a deal is not reached, the two clubs negotiate for the right to sign the player.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Just over two minutes later, Tadej Pogačar negotiated the same corner, his front wheel slipping, the yellow jersey just about keeping himself upright, centimeters from the gutter.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of negotiate

Verb

Federal prosecutors said the recruitment system helped Epstein abuse hundreds of victims over decades, while some recruiters later said they had themselves been manipulated, exploited or coerced by Epstein into participating.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Known as nitrogen-vacancy centers, these atomic-scale structures allow the system to manipulate electron and nuclear spins without needing liquid helium or high-vacuum environments.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

Every detail, from private transfers and pre- or post-cruise stays to exclusive local experiences, is thoughtfully arranged to create a seamless journey from beginning to end.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Graham said, in one case, staff helped arrange transportation after a school required a young mother to walk more than a mile to a bus stop while carrying her baby, books and backpack.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

The 23-foot Winnebago EKKO moves awkwardly, changing direction every few seconds as Bernert carefully maneuvers it into position.

— Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
By delivering a 25-basis-point hike in July, the Fed could demonstrate continued resolve on inflation, retain room to maneuver in the face of future shocks, and mitigate the risk of once again being forced to play catch-up.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026

Definition of maneuver

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masterly

mastermind

masterminded

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Style

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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