mastermind

[ mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster- ]

/ ˈmæs tərˌmaɪnd, ˈmɑ stər- /

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See synonyms for: mastermind / masterminding on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully: Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.

noun

a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like: the masterminds of company policy.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of mastermind

First recorded in 1710–20; master + mind

Words nearby mastermind

master hand, master key, masterly, master mason, master mechanic, mastermind, Master of Arts, master of ceremonies, master of foxhounds, Master of Science, Master of the Horse

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use mastermind in a sentence

Vincent reportedly said that the mastermind behind the plot was a foreigner named “Mike” who spoke Spanish and English.
Family of U.S. Suspect in Haiti Assassination: He’s a Loving, ‘Nice Guy’ Who’s ‘Always Joking’|Zoe Richards, Noor Ibrahim|July 9, 2021|The Daily Beast
Actor and producer Vin Diesel, the star and arguably the creative mastermind of the Fast & Furious franchise, is a big Dungeons & Dragons fan.
The rise and rise and rise of the Fast & Furious franchise|Emily VanDerWerff|June 25, 2021|Vox
She did not want to be spared simply out of pity for being a wife, nor could she accept that she was the mastermind.
How Today’s World Can Help Us See That There’s More to the Ethel Rosenberg Story|Anne Sebba|June 9, 2021|Time
The mastermind behind Chula Vista’s drone program, retired Capt.
Chula Vista PD’s Drone Program Opened a Revolving Door for Officers|Sofía Mejías Pascoe|April 5, 2021|Voice of San Diego

Anita Egbune and Marian Arafiena are the masterminds behind the new platform that has already attracted five live projects.
3 Places to Find Funding For Your Business|Steven Psyllos|April 2, 2021|Essence.com
Zubaydah indentified Khalid Sheikh Mohammed as the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.
The Luxury Homes That Torture and Your Tax Dollars Built|Michael Daly|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Self-described 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was also kept at Cobalt after his March 2003 in Pakistan.
Inside the CIA’s Sadistic Dungeon|Tim Mak|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Surely only an advanced hacker could mastermind such a fiendish act — right?
A Female Writer’s New Milestone: Her First Death Threat|Annie Gaus|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And he was also the secret mastermind behind the biggest bank heists of his day.
The High Society Bank Robber of the 1800s|J. North Conway|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the mastermind of the Hamas kidnapping strategy is al-Arouri, Israeli officials say.
Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A banquet extraordinary was shortly to take place, and M. Sapin, the mastermind, came to beg of Regali the recipe for his ragout.
The Orchard of Tears|Sax Rohmer
His mastermind comprehended the importance and necessity of combined and harmonious effort.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, v. 13|Various
This girl was obviously the assistant to the Mastermind who originated the scheme.
The Misplaced Battleship|Harry Harrison (AKA Henry Maxwell Dempsey)
Or, in contact with a mastermind, he may take fire, and the glow of the enthusiasm may be the inspiration of his life.
Modern Essays|John Macy
He said to Professor Garet, "All right, mastermind, untie me."
And Then the Town Took Off|Richard Wilson

British Dictionary definitions for mastermind

mastermind

/ (ˈmɑːstəˌmaɪnd) /

verb

(tr) to plan and direct (a complex undertaking)he masterminded the robbery

noun

a person of great intelligence or executive talent, esp one who directs an undertaking

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

mastermind

Origin of mastermind

Words nearby mastermind

Words related to mastermind

How to use mastermind in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mastermind