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mastermind

[mas-ter-mahynd, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌmaɪnd, ˈmɑ stər- /
VERB
plan and direct
Synonyms
STRONGEST
STRONG
WEAK


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.

See Examples For:

Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said authorities were working with Interpol to track down the mastermind behind the operations.

From BBC Aug. 11, 2026

Keegan is one of the most transformational figures in Newcastle's history - the mastermind behind 'The Entertainers', who challenged for the Premier League title in 1996.

From BBC Jul. 20, 2026

The scandal fueled national outrage and a political reckoning, with an alleged mastermind arrested on suspicion of selling leaked questions for thousands of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 20, 2026

Soccer and the mastermind behind that World Cup — created for the 23 players who will wear the U.S. crest at home this summer.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 7, 2026

“This criminal mastermind, the one behind this elaborate scheme...”

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

The boys are not masterminds; the victims are not fools.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 14, 2026

Of the 32 apprehended, only two were convicted, Al-Saadi said, and they were little more than foot soldiers to masterminds of the operation who had already escaped.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 30, 2026

The church had previous accused successive governments of failing to identify the masterminds behind the bombings.

From Barron's Feb. 25, 2026

The movie will be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve and is currently in development and being overseen by Amazon MGM Studios after long-serving masterminds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stood down in February.

From BBC Sep. 24, 2025

At long intervals some masterminds appeared, looking upon each advance in practical science as a retro-gradation in the true utility.

From The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4 by Edgar Allan Poe

That failure led to Arne Slot being sacked as Liverpool manager just 12 months after he masterminded the club's Premier League title triumph in his first season after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

From Barron's Aug. 14, 2026

A whole new genre of celebrity divorce: Slate’s Scaachi Koul considers how Bunnie Xo, an archetypical “Cool Girl,” seems to have masterminded a new strategy for getting divorced in the public eye.

From Slate Jul. 16, 2026

The first phone call should be to Andy Flower, the man who masterminded England's last series win in Australia and took them to the top of the world rankings.

From BBC Jul. 12, 2026

By comparison, the total illegal profit from the insider-trading scheme masterminded by hedge-fund titan Raj Rajaratnam was $53.8 million.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 30, 2026

Or this bit about Nick: “Everyone agrees that Nick Allen masterminded this plot that cleverly raises issues about free speech and academic rules. He is the boy who invented the new word.”

From "Frindle" by Andrew Clements

Ramírez considered herself one of the creative directors of the cohort, masterminding video shoots and making sure their social media marketing stayed consistent with the festival’s branding.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 29, 2026

The latest person to let down her guard was Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff who is credited with masterminding Trump’s 2024 win, and who has a reputation for discretion.

From Salon Dec. 17, 2025

Low is alleged to have gained his wealth after masterminding a scheme to steal billions from 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, a Malaysian sovereign-wealth fund.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 21, 2025

Postecoglou lasted just two turbulent seasons as Tottenham boss before being sacked in June -- only 16 days after masterminding their Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

From Barron's Oct. 18, 2025

It was a second victory for Japan against Wales with head coach Jones also masterminding the first in 2013.

From BBC Jul. 5, 2025




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