mastermind
verb (used with object)
to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully.
had masterminded
-
past perfectof mastermind.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Robson had masterminded a meteoric rise after replacing Ruud Gullit as manager in September 1999.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2023
But prosecutors concluded that there was not enough evidence to determine who had masterminded the false billing scheme in the first place.
From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 2021
When Mercy came to visit, the mustachioed maestro took one look at her and decided she needed to join the GTOs, the girl group of young, female Hollywood scenesters he had masterminded.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2020
Ankara maintains that Gulen and his movement had masterminded the coup — an allegation that Gulen strenuously denies.
From Time ● Oct. 25, 2017
Howard had masterminded a situation that made refusal costly.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
