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
Courts could interpret that, or a jury could interpret as a mindset of trying to compel control or dominance over the situation rather than a sincere fear for his life.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
So that's just our mindset from here on out.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
For me, that translates to modernizing with intention and staying committed to a growth mindset by continuously learning, taking on new challenges, and surrounding myself with people who elevate my thinking.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
This mindset now fuels his broader mission to strengthen the very foundation of learning.
—William Jones, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, don’t let a negative mindset drive actions.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Please note that California has long ranked high in joblessness, due in part to its volatile yet successful entrepreneurial mindset.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
The trend has since caught on across TikTok, with users saying the mindset makes getting dressed feel easier and far less stressful — especially during cold winter months and the post-holiday slump.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, so don’t let a negative mindset drive actions.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
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Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
So that's just our mindset from here on out.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
For me, that translates to modernizing with intention and staying committed to a growth mindset by continuously learning, taking on new challenges, and surrounding myself with people who elevate my thinking.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
This mindset now fuels his broader mission to strengthen the very foundation of learning.
—William Jones, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, don’t let a negative mindset drive actions.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Please note that California has long ranked high in joblessness, due in part to its volatile yet successful entrepreneurial mindset.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
The trend has since caught on across TikTok, with users saying the mindset makes getting dressed feel easier and far less stressful — especially during cold winter months and the post-holiday slump.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Early to mid-March could impel you to make a move that wouldn’t improve matters at all, so don’t let a negative mindset drive actions.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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