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
Here, experts explore the mindset and share their best hosting tips for your own petite parties.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026
The career performer credits her experience in the entertainment industry for preparing her for that type of intentional mindset.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
An optimistic mindset can help lift moods, lighten spirits, and open up a world of opportunities.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
And then returned to my barefoot runner mindset.
—Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
That mindset resulted in Wor$t Girl in America, an electropop mash-up of vulnerability and nostalgia.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
That mindset stems from Beauchamp’s desire to be completely committed.
—Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Democrats are aligning themselves with that mindset, handing Republicans the mantle of the AI-image party … and waiting for the backlash.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
That probably messed up our mindset and sparked a broader demand for new attractions.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
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Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026
The career performer credits her experience in the entertainment industry for preparing her for that type of intentional mindset.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
An optimistic mindset can help lift moods, lighten spirits, and open up a world of opportunities.
—Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
And then returned to my barefoot runner mindset.
—Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
That mindset resulted in Wor$t Girl in America, an electropop mash-up of vulnerability and nostalgia.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
That mindset stems from Beauchamp’s desire to be completely committed.
—Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Democrats are aligning themselves with that mindset, handing Republicans the mantle of the AI-image party … and waiting for the backlash.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
That probably messed up our mindset and sparked a broader demand for new attractions.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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