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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The show lasted just two short seasons, but a few years later, its creator, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, returned to mastermind Designing Women — with Carter and her fellow original leads specifically in mind. — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026 Behind the scenes, the brilliant and taciturn spymaster Smiley orchestrates operations while the elusive Soviet mastermind Karla looms in the shadows, setting the stage for a conflict that will define a generation. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

Morris Katz, a young Democratic strategist who helped mastermind the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani (and Graham Platner), met Jentleson during Fetterman’s 2022 Senate campaign. — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 For decades, the prevailing story of the Manson murders held that Charles Manson masterminded a murderous plot to ignite a race war inspired by the Beatles. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind

Noun

An architect’s struggle with Nevada’s state licensing board raises a broader question about how to regulate industry.

— Wendy R. Anderson, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Rising construction costs forced Donnelly and architect Ryan Perella to keep the backyard guesthouse simple, using budget-conscious finishes such as polished concrete floors and wood countertops.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of architect

Verb

Researchers have also engineered modified versions aimed at specific disease pathways.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Since 1970, when Milton Friedman declared that a corporation's only social responsibility is profit, businesses have been re-engineered around delivering the most value possible to shareholders.

— Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of engineer

Verb

Pascal Lamy negotiated China’s accession to the WTO in 2001 on behalf of the EU.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Ian Gray, vice president of intelligence at the threat monitoring company Flashpoint, told NBC Miami this was a likely indication that Florida officials were negotiating with ShinyHunters to prevent a leak of the database.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of negotiate

Verb

The distinction matters because operating an unmanned vessel requires more than plotting a route.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
In the years to come, plotting out the dense and often convoluted storylines on a giant dry-erase board would become a staple of the Seinfeld writing process.

— Blake J. Harris, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of plot

Verb

Its tech helped investigators find that former Toronto Raptors big man Jontay Porter manipulated his play on behalf of bettors.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Instead of filming hands of actual workers, young men with GoPro cameras strapped to their heads record themselves doing jobs while holding and manipulating what look like grippy robot claws.

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of manipulate

Verb

For a bit of an over-the-top perk, the concierge is able to arrange helicopter services to NASA through its rooftop helipad, as well as myriad other special excursions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
While Sabrina’s identical twin sister, Virginia, was arranged to marry a Chinese American man in the States who spoke no Cantonese, Sabrina wouldn’t let her parents stop their love— or stop her from getting pregnant.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

During the test, the aircraft validated not only the takeoff system, but the ability to maneuver at various altitudes and make in-flight mission adjustments while the systems checked for airworthiness.

— David Szondy October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Unlike a conventional ballistic missile’s warhead, a hypersonic glide vehicle is built to maneuver during flight, potentially complicating an opponent’s efforts to track and intercept it.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of maneuver

Browse Nearby Words

masterly

mastermind

masterminded

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Style

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mastermind

noun

verb

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