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.
By that stage, of course, Ancelotti had masterminded Brazil's first comeback victory in a World Cup knockout game since beating Turkey in the semi-finals some 24 years ago.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
At Girardi’s trial, his attorneys repeatedly sought to shift the blame onto Kamon and said it was the man overseeing the firm’s dozens of bank accounts who had masterminded the large-scale fraud.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2024
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
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
