mindset
noun
mind·set
ˈmīn(d)-ˌset 
variants
or less commonly mind-set
plural mindsets also mind-sets
1
: a mental attitude or inclination
politicians trying to determine the mindset of voters
It isn't only the freshness of the fruit that makes breakfast in California restaurants outstanding. It's an attitude, a morning mindset, a desire to start the day in a leisurely, luxurious manner.—
Jane and Michael Stern
Jane and Michael Stern2
: a fixed state of mind
His mind-set does not allow for new situations.
The German military thought they were being honorable, and this wasn't an excuse—this was their complete mindset.—William Vollman
William VollmanExamples of mindset in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, Gen Zers are stepping into their roles with fresh ideas and an open mindset, while redefining the future of work.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
This mindset can serve as a protective layer against depression, anxiety, and poor mental health, which can lead to poor aging.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Now, though, people are adopting a collector’s mindset once again.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
That mindset led him to post on a neighborhood app offering free dog walking for seniors.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Who better captures the mindset and mental fortitude of an Olympian?
—Alex Connor, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Williams and Barmore are carrying that same mindset into Super Bowl LX.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
McMahon asked, describing Minnesotans’ mindset.
—Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2026
February 03, 2026 Difficult change is an inevitable part of life, but few of us have the skills and mindset to handle it well.
—Harvard Business Review, 3 Feb. 2026
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Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
This mindset can serve as a protective layer against depression, anxiety, and poor mental health, which can lead to poor aging.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Now, though, people are adopting a collector’s mindset once again.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
That mindset led him to post on a neighborhood app offering free dog walking for seniors.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Who better captures the mindset and mental fortitude of an Olympian?
—Alex Connor, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Williams and Barmore are carrying that same mindset into Super Bowl LX.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
McMahon asked, describing Minnesotans’ mindset.
—Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2026
February 03, 2026 Difficult change is an inevitable part of life, but few of us have the skills and mindset to handle it well.
—Harvard Business Review, 3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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