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
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
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
This film gives us the classic Hitchcock theme of ordinary people plunged into a sudden nightmare, as well as a fun early turn from Peter Lorre as a criminal mastermind and a thrilling set piece set at the Royal Albert Hall.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Julie Carr Smyth The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
What happens to her — a deadly warning from the man’s criminal boss father — sets in motion two generations of retribution masterminded by one of the cruelest characters Burton has given us.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
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Noun
All three of the Hollywood players — Feige, the most successful movie producer of all time; Coogler, the mastermind behind Oscar hopeful Sinners; and Levy, the Deadpool & Wolverine director now in postproduction on the latest Star Wars movie — are USC grads.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
This film gives us the classic Hitchcock theme of ordinary people plunged into a sudden nightmare, as well as a fun early turn from Peter Lorre as a criminal mastermind and a thrilling set piece set at the Royal Albert Hall.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder is serving 20 years in prison for masterminding the scheme.
—Julie Carr Smyth The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
What happens to her — a deadly warning from the man’s criminal boss father — sets in motion two generations of retribution masterminded by one of the cruelest characters Burton has given us.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastermind. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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