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
Shortsleeve’s mindset is shaped by both personal experience and professional expertise.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
An uncommon resiliency That same mindset carried over to the field as the team handled the departures of key players and coaches.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
The rest of the work comes down to shifting your mindset.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Jan. 2026
But that mindset doesn’t exactly set you up for success—especially when life is already stressful.
—Ciara Lucas, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In our discussion, Hollinger weighs in on whether Detroit should go all-in or operate with an opportunistic mindset; how patient the Pistons should be with guard Jaden Ivey; Detroit’s path to converting Daniss Jenkins’ two-way contract; the future of veteran forward Tobias Harris and more.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Once your mindset is in place, the next step is taking concrete actions that move your numbers in the right direction.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2026
Maryland is approaching Thursday’s game with an aggressive mindset.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Valia noted clean fragrance is having strong traction around the globe and that India is ready for brands originating with that mindset.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
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Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
An uncommon resiliency That same mindset carried over to the field as the team handled the departures of key players and coaches.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026
The rest of the work comes down to shifting your mindset.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Jan. 2026
But that mindset doesn’t exactly set you up for success—especially when life is already stressful.
—Ciara Lucas, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
In our discussion, Hollinger weighs in on whether Detroit should go all-in or operate with an opportunistic mindset; how patient the Pistons should be with guard Jaden Ivey; Detroit’s path to converting Daniss Jenkins’ two-way contract; the future of veteran forward Tobias Harris and more.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Once your mindset is in place, the next step is taking concrete actions that move your numbers in the right direction.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2026
Maryland is approaching Thursday’s game with an aggressive mindset.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026
Valia noted clean fragrance is having strong traction around the globe and that India is ready for brands originating with that mindset.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
