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
Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 June 2024
Here, Craig Schoettler, the mastermind behind Chicago’s Aviary and now MGM Resorts’ executive director of beverage, proffers some of the city’s most exquisite libations inside an utterly beautiful room.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2024
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 June 2024
Jho has since been accused of masterminding a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions from the Malaysian state investment fund known as 1MDB.
—Michael Kunzelman and Lindsay Whitehurst, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for mastermind 
Noun
Tommy Oliver is the mastermind behind the Father Noir Project.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 June 2024
Here, Craig Schoettler, the mastermind behind Chicago’s Aviary and now MGM Resorts’ executive director of beverage, proffers some of the city’s most exquisite libations inside an utterly beautiful room.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2024
Verb
The top mafioso, convicted of masterminding some of Italy’s most heinous slayings – including the killings of prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino – subsequently died in September 2023 in a maximum-security prison.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 June 2024
Jho has since been accused of masterminding a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions from the Malaysian state investment fund known as 1MDB.
—Michael Kunzelman and Lindsay Whitehurst, USA TODAY, 26 June 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 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share