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
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Noun
The choice to honor him perhaps also speaks to the potent influence of Met Gala mastermind Anna Wintour. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 As the mastermind behind the Hollywood hair of stars like Stone, Lily Collins, and Zoe Saldaña — and the founder of Rōz Hair — her styling fingerprints decorate awards show red carpets and Instagram feeds alike. — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
Those meetings included Bolton, Galliano and Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor who masterminds the Met Gala every year. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Ferrell, who had an alternate offer, then masterminded an exit strategy. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 July 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

See All Rhymes for mastermind

Browse Nearby Words

master mechanic
mastermind
master of arts
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Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 11 Aug. 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

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