mastermind

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ter·​mind ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd How to pronounce mastermind (audio)
ˌmas-tər-ˈ
Synonyms of mastermindnext
: 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

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
So, what do the masterminds at Love Island have in mind? Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 June 2026 The inflatable work includes a sound element created by Thomas Bangalter, one of the two masterminds of the French electronic-music duo Daft Punk, and had been scheduled to be on view from June 6 through June 28. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
Bankman-Fried was convicted of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history stemming from the collapse of the crypto-exchange FTX. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 12 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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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