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
Rob Wieland, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, assault – in which mass hostage-taking was a centerpiece – he was considered a central stumbling block in winning the hostages’ release.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2024
Matt Gardner, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Hair also had a softer touch, masterminded by Orlando Pita.
—James Manso, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind 
Noun
October has become the Month of Darkness where the masterminds behind the World of Darkness announce their plans for the new year.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, assault – in which mass hostage-taking was a centerpiece – he was considered a central stumbling block in winning the hostages’ release.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
Call of Duty has a penchant for reusing prime assets, and both Treyarch and Raven Software are best known for masterminding CoD Zombies.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Hair also had a softer touch, masterminded by Orlando Pita.
—James Manso, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mastermind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share