mas·ter·mind
ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd 
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project
masterminded; masterminding; masterminds
: to be the mastermind of
Synonyms
Examples of mastermind in a Sentence
Noun
the mastermind behind the terrorist plot
the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme
Verb
They masterminded a unique solution to the problem.
He masterminded the bank robbery.
Recent Examples on the Web
Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Kelly established himself as a creative offensive mastermind as Oregon’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and then as the Ducks’ head coach the following four seasons.
—Rob Maaddi, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Franchise masterminds Phil Lord and Chris Miller return to produce with Amy Pascal and Avi Arad, and Jinko Gotoh.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind 
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Noun
Wintour, who is largely seen as the mastermind behind the fashion world's biggest event, will return as co-chair as well.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Kelly established himself as a creative offensive mastermind as Oregon’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and then as the Ducks’ head coach the following four seasons.
—Rob Maaddi, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
Among Trump’s clemency recipients: Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys who was convicted of helping to mastermind the Jan. 6 insurrection and was serving a 22-year sentence.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Franchise masterminds Phil Lord and Chris Miller return to produce with Amy Pascal and Avi Arad, and Jinko Gotoh.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind
Dictionary Entries Near mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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