masterminded

verb

past tense of mastermind
as in negotiated
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

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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 masterminded Olivier Echaudemaison, who masterminded makeup for some of the most storied French luxury houses, died early Wednesday at age 84. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 Ferrell, who had an alternate offer, then masterminded an exit strategy. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Mostly young protesters support Fedorov Syrskyi initially organized the defense of Kyiv in February 2022, and seven months later masterminded a successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 The main building has five floors of 90 rooms and the neighboring tower features 51 residences that have been renovated with complimentary design, masterminded by Jenny Bukovec Studio in New York. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 Prosecutors said the ringleader was recruited online for a plot masterminded by Russia’s intelligence services. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 The insurance company has alleged that a rogue AI robot masterminded Dela Torre’s campaign to improperly challenge her settlement agreement, generating a flurry of baseless and abusive filings that cost $300,000 to contest. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 Famous architect John Nash (who was also behind the design of Buckingham Palace) masterminded the original estate as a classical storied mansion. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 June 2026 Federal prosecutors said her signatures cost the federal programs more than six million dollars; the entire scheme, masterminded by a man in his late-20s named Steve Richardson, cost taxpayers $11 million. — Julia Coin june 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterminded
  1. negotiated
  2. engineered
  3. arranged
  4. plotted
  5. manipulated
Verb
  • The deal was negotiated by Steven Bestwick of The Yellow Affair and Bill Guentzler and RJ Millard on behalf of Obscured Releasing.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Over the course of 23 bargaining sessions, the union and district representatives have negotiated on class size, wages and Special Education resources, among 57 total proposals.
    — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of negotiated
Verb
  • Each lockable box has a hydraulic system engineered for smooth daily operation and a roomy interior that provides ample storage for your patio cushions, gardening gear, toys, or outdoor entertaining essentials.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of engineered
Verb
  • Gayle Conran Each of the ryokans served set meals, kaiseki-style, elaborately arranged, with an array of 12 or more small lacquer and porcelain dishes.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The printing process can also control how different materials are arranged, allowing different sections of an object to respond differently.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of arranged
Verb
  • Emily’s misguided research ultimately proves that love stories can’t be plotted and graphed like science experiments; more modern studio romantic comedies could stand to learn the same lesson.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At Hansen’s trial in 2009, prosecutors argued that the pair had plotted to kill MacNeil, 63, for money.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of plotted
Verb
  • The association said the money was lost after criminals impersonated its leadership and manipulated financial transactions.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Our politics, cultures, and wars manipulated by America to varying extents.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of manipulated

Browse Nearby Words

mastermind
masterminded
masterminding
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Cite this Entry

“Masterminded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterminded. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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