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

The person responsible for his uncomfortable position is none other than Armand, who is revealed to be the mastermind behind much of the season, including finding Regina (Delainey Hayles) and orchestrating her interactions with Louis. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

The firing of Fedorov has led to panic in many Western pro-Ukraine circles, with observers fearing Zelensky is squandering Ukraine’s recent bout of good fortune through firing the mastermind of Ukraine’s drone advancements. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 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