mastermind

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​mind ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd How to pronounce mastermind (audio)
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
Synonyms of mastermind
: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project

mastermind

2 of 2

verb

masterminded; masterminding; masterminds

transitive verb

: to be the mastermind of

Synonyms of mastermind

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Noun

Verb

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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
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.
Noun
Parton, who died Tuesday at 80, was the consummate business executive behind Dollywood, the mastermind behind a book-gifting program, the philanthropic giant whose donation helped spur the Moderna vaccine for the coronavirus. — Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 From 2022-24, Lewis was the mastermind of Alabama State’s defenses that once rivaled the Rattlers atop the FCS and SWAC. — John Devine, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
However, off the field, the leadership style of the man tasked with masterminding a new era at Anfield is understated. — James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Davis was arrested in 2023 and indicted for masterminding the killing and providing the gun. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastermind

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mastermind was in 1872

Rhymes for mastermind

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Browse Nearby Words

master mechanic
mastermind
master of arts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mastermind

noun
mas·​ter·​mind
ˈmas-tər-ˌmīnd, 
ˌmas-tər-ˈmīnd
: a person who invents or directs a project
mastermind verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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