as in architect
a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking
the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to engineer
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
he was charged with masterminding a plan to redecorate the suite of offices without seriously disrupting business operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mastermind
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Their investigation later reveals that Assistant Mayor Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate) was the mastermind behind the flower poisoning and wanted to incite fear among the town's citizens and exploit her power.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 21 May 2025
Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Granddaughter of Adele Fendi, who founded the family business with a leather goods and luggage shop in Rome in 1925, Venturini Fendi is perhaps best known as the woman who in 1997 masterminded the iconic Baguette bag, and as the designer of Fendi menswear since 2000.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Noun
SeaWorld mastermind George Millay creates Wet ‘n Wild, a water park on International Drive.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Their investigation later reveals that Assistant Mayor Dawn Bellwether (Jenny Slate) was the mastermind behind the flower poisoning and wanted to incite fear among the town's citizens and exploit her power.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
This isn’t a hotel, but instead, a collection of five properties spread across the city that have been masterminded by the company’s inimitable cofounder and creative director, Hana Tsukamoto.
—Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Granddaughter of Adele Fendi, who founded the family business with a leather goods and luggage shop in Rome in 1925, Venturini Fendi is perhaps best known as the woman who in 1997 masterminded the iconic Baguette bag, and as the designer of Fendi menswear since 2000.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mastermind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastermind
Noun
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Andrew Fuller – Founding architect of HoloLens and Meta’s Orion.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The hair architect was also behind Chalamet’s soft curls for his Bleu de Chanel campaign images, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Oscars.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Capelle’s signature compression liner, an innovation engineered for premium support, breathability, and lasting comfort, introduces a watercolor-shifting technology line of the swim trunks, allowing for all-day performance without compromising style or expression.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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In launching the new network, the Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks essentially traded Comcast for Standard Media, a small TV station owner that engineered the over-the-air strategy employed by CHSN, and is leading distribution negotiations with the pay-TV providers.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The deal was negotiated by VP of Sales and Acquisitions Alex Peters on behalf of Brainstorm and by Christian Sosa of Roosevelt Film Lab.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 June 2025
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Here’s the thing, no employee should be left to negotiate basic dignity on their own.—
Aparna Rae,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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In 2022, a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan killed bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahri, who also helped plot 9/11.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2025
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Crucially, what matters—the criteria for selection, on which continued evolution depends—also changes, plotting a wholly novel course.—
Philip Ball,
Wired News,
8 June 2025
Verb
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This may surprise the more than 1 million Californians who received $21.65 apiece from the state in mid-May after a settlement reached by state Attorney General Rob Bonta with three gasoline trading firms that allegedly manipulated gas prices in 2016 during another refinery outage.—
Thomas Elias,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
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Not possessed of any special abilities, Achebe instead manipulates his ways into political power in Wakanda.—
Michileen Martin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The park hosts various stargazing events, and larger groups can arrange hour-long astronomy programs (pending staff availability).—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
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Fun fact: Cohen arranged the casting contract for his former Goonies costar Ke Huy Quan for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).—
Sarah Weldon,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The military's motive for funding nuclear thermal propulsion was its potential for becoming a more efficient means of maneuvering around the Earth.—
Stephen Clark – Jun 3,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2025
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The fact is that the indomitable Erdogan has run out of room to maneuver.—
Henri J. Barkey,
Foreign Affairs,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mastermind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastermind. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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