as in architect
a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking
the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of mastermind
Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Even Maurice White, universally acknowledged as the mastermind behind Earth, Wind & Fire, was not included when that group was honored in 2019.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Trish Deitch, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
When Hamilton refused him legal help, Reynolds told all who would listen that the Treasury secretary had masterminded his financial chicanery.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Noun
The 76-year-old defensive mastermind came out of retirement last season to steady the ship, and even Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin credited Pees for helping turn Baltimore’s defense around.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Even Maurice White, universally acknowledged as the mastermind behind Earth, Wind & Fire, was not included when that group was honored in 2019.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
In any case, Grace, Hal, and the White House Chief of Staff Billie Appiah (Nana Mensah) go back and forth about how to deal with the impending leak that Grace Penn masterminded the bombing of the ship.
—Trish Deitch, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
When Hamilton refused him legal help, Reynolds told all who would listen that the Treasury secretary had masterminded his financial chicanery.
—Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind
Noun
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In 1898, architect René Binet unveiled his design for the Porte Monumentale, a grand three-legged archway intended to serve as the entrance portal to the upcoming 1900 Paris Exposition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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The residences were conceived by interior architect Hassen Balut.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The silky fibers are smartly engineered to absorb moisture and promote airflow, helping even the warmest sleepers stay comfortable all night long.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
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The Russian 9x19mm 7N31 cartridge is specially engineered to defeat modern body armor while maintaining effectiveness against unarmored targets.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hunter has set himself a very fine amount of emotional and physical space within which to work, and there’s pleasure in watching Metcalf and Stock negotiate the tiptoeing way Sarah and Ethan grow closer.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
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The houses, often apartments inside the city’s tall residential buildings, strike so much fear among residents that anyone willing to live there can negotiate hefty discounts in one of the world’s most expensive property markets.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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His original, undoctored manuscript even suggests that James might have plotted to have Elizabeth assassinated.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Curves plotting model performance against size have begun flattening out.—
James Somers,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As people increasingly turn to such bots for emotional support and life advice, recent incidents have spotlighted their potential to manipulate vulnerable people by facilitating a false sense of closeness or care.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
31 Oct. 2025
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The face-down between a pitcher and a batter, especially in a World Series, has enough tension without needing to be manipulated by outside music.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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There were also individual, isolated nests, which were typically larger than any that were arranged in a specific shape, according to the study.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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To make matters worse, none of the wedding flowers had been purchased or arranged.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The organization defines restraint as staff using their bodies in ways that prevent patients from moving, such as by pinning them down or maneuvering their arms into positions that make resistance painful.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
29 Oct. 2025
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The Lancaster pan is lighter and thinner than the popular Lodge, meaning its easy to maneuver and takes less time to heat on the stove top.—
Noah Kaufman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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