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

As a fan, Madonna was taking it all in, from club beats to post-punk to early rap — the ultimate disco fan turned into the ultimate disco mastermind. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026 Joining me now is Tax Notes senior EU reporter Elodie Lamer, who is the mastermind behind this series. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Verb

Federal prosecutors said her signatures cost the federal programs more than six million dollars; the entire scheme, masterminded by a man in his late-20s named Steve Richardson, cost taxpayers $11 million. — Julia Coin june 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026 The insurance company has alleged that a rogue AI robot masterminded Dela Torre’s campaign to improperly challenge her settlement agreement, generating a flurry of baseless and abusive filings that cost $300,000 to contest. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind

Noun

Situated in an elegant French neoclassical building in Barcelona’s Eixample district, the hotel puts you just footsteps away from luxury shopping, restaurants adored by locals, and masterpieces by Gaudí and other Spanish architects.

— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Their architect, Michael Lehrer, created a striking design with a butterfly roof slanting up in two directions from the center, zigzag walls and picture windows front and back.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of architect

Verb

Top-end homes are increasingly being engineered with structural systems more commonly associated with commercial buildings, including extensive steel framing that enables larger expanses of glass and fewer interior columns.

— Mark David, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
While the community is defined by open space, the house itself is engineered to work with the climate, not fight it.

— David Caraccio Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of engineer

Verb

The action risks escalating tensions while the United States and Iran negotiate on a long-term peace agreement that addresses Iran's nuclear capacity.

— Joey Garrison, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Sellers and buyers can still negotiate their own prices, particularly since buyers are often purchasing hundreds or thousands of pieces at a time.

— Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Definition of negotiate

Verb

That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of plot

Verb

The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Bunting arranged this way is appropriate for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform or general decoration.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

Djokovic was imperious against Tsitsipas, and should be able to maneuver Rinderknech around despite his booming serve and all-attack game.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Human bodies were like animals’ The few medical instruments of the revolutionary era were heavy in the hand, awkward in use and imprecise to maneuver.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of maneuver

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masterly

mastermind

masterminded

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“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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