Mastermind — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd/ mas·ter·mind

Meaning & Definition of Mastermind

Mastermind (noun)

  1. a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project

Mastermind (verb)

  1. to be the mastermind of

Mastermind (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking

    "the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme"

    similar: architect, engineer
    related: builder, maker, producer, captain, commander, director, handler, leader, manager, quarterback, contriver, designer, formulator, originator, spawner, arranger, hatcher, organizer, planner, plotter, schemer, finagler, machinator, maneuverer, developer, generator, inaugurator, initiator, inspirer, instituter, pioneer

Mastermind (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: contrive, engineer, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, negotiate, wangle
    related: arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out, angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme, connive, brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch, captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run, gerrymander
    near: blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Mastermind

The most common words with a similar meaning to Mastermind:

architect, engineer, contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, negotiate, wangle

Related Words for Mastermind

builder, maker, producer, captain, commander, director, handler, leader, manager, quarterback, contriver, designer, formulator, originator, spawner, arranger, hatcher, organizer, planner, plotter, schemer, finagler, machinator, maneuverer, developer, generator, inaugurator, initiator, inspirer, instituter

Near Antonyms of Mastermind

blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff

Word Forms of Mastermind

Inflections: masterminded, masterminding, masterminds

Origin & Etymology of Mastermind

First known use: 1872

Frequently Asked Questions about Mastermind

What does "Mastermind" mean?

"Mastermind" means a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a person who supplies the directing or creative intelligence for a project. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Mastermind"?

Other words for "Mastermind" include architect, engineer, contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate and maneuver. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Mastermind" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Mastermind"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Mastermind". Common alternatives include architect, engineer, contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate and negotiate.

How do you use "Mastermind" in a sentence?

Examples of "Mastermind" in a sentence: "the real mastermind behind the embezzlement scheme"; "he was charged with masterminding a plan to redecorate the suite of offices without seriously disrupting business operations".

Is "Mastermind" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Mastermind" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Mastermind"?

"Mastermind" is pronounced /ˈma-stər-ˌmīnd/ and divided into syllables as mas·ter·mind.

What is the origin of the word "Mastermind"?

First known use: 1872.

What is another word for "Mastermind" meaning "a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking"?

When "Mastermind" (noun) means a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking, synonyms include architect and engineer.