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
The Stars need more of that mindset at five-on-five.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Investigators are treating the writings, along with a trail of social media posts and interviews with family members, as some of the clearest evidence yet of the suspect’s mindset and possible motives.
—Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
While leading the Lakers to a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, LeBron James has stepped out of his airtight postseason mindset for only a few fleeting moments.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
In the goalie business, when there is seemingly always the next puck headed your way, that’s a productive mindset.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins, who want to be a physical team, got two players with a fighting spirit and a tough mindset.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At night, there is very little light pollution, with minimal lighting used beyond the glow of the tents, and the property tried its best to operate on a leave no trace mindset, with little construction having taken place beyond the original structure that has sat here for over a century.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
But our systems, products, and mindsets are still built for a short‑life world.
—Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
The program goes beyond simple lessons, focusing instead on reshaping mindset and relationships.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Investigators are treating the writings, along with a trail of social media posts and interviews with family members, as some of the clearest evidence yet of the suspect’s mindset and possible motives.
—Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
While leading the Lakers to a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, LeBron James has stepped out of his airtight postseason mindset for only a few fleeting moments.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
In the goalie business, when there is seemingly always the next puck headed your way, that’s a productive mindset.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins, who want to be a physical team, got two players with a fighting spirit and a tough mindset.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At night, there is very little light pollution, with minimal lighting used beyond the glow of the tents, and the property tried its best to operate on a leave no trace mindset, with little construction having taken place beyond the original structure that has sat here for over a century.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
But our systems, products, and mindsets are still built for a short‑life world.
—Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
The program goes beyond simple lessons, focusing instead on reshaping mindset and relationships.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
