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
This is where Vietnam Syndrome still lingers — not as a slogan, but as a mindset.
—Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
That performance mindset is also rooted in the company’s soil-health heritage.
—Philip Jordan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Vucevic buying in Nikola Vucevic believes the Celtics have the talent and mindset to stage what would be the first deep playoff run of the veteran center’s 15-year NBA career.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
The lawmaker said that internal messaging by state DHS leaders encouraged staff to approach programs with a mindset that prioritized compassion over strict compliance with oversight rules.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
Economic downturns changed that mindset.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Collins pointed to that mindset when asked after the Oregon game about Martinelli’s legacy.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Biden appointed Buttigieg as secretary of transportation, a position in some ways perfect for his efficiency mindset.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
That mindset, industry leaders said, helped sideline the skilled trades.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
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Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
That performance mindset is also rooted in the company’s soil-health heritage.
—Philip Jordan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Vucevic buying in Nikola Vucevic believes the Celtics have the talent and mindset to stage what would be the first deep playoff run of the veteran center’s 15-year NBA career.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
The lawmaker said that internal messaging by state DHS leaders encouraged staff to approach programs with a mindset that prioritized compassion over strict compliance with oversight rules.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
Economic downturns changed that mindset.
—Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Collins pointed to that mindset when asked after the Oregon game about Martinelli’s legacy.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Biden appointed Buttigieg as secretary of transportation, a position in some ways perfect for his efficiency mindset.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
That mindset, industry leaders said, helped sideline the skilled trades.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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