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
Yet many people focus exclusively on skills and productivity while neglecting the mindset habits that sustain success.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Ask the right questions to shift your mindset.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
That resolve and resourcefulness has been an abiding mindset almost forever in Kansas City, which long has had more than its share of world-class institutions.
—Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Shift your mindset and recognize that maintenance is a predictable, long-term cost.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Building Sugarwater also reflects Carrie’s broader ethos, one that rejects a scarcity mindset and instead embraces collaboration and connectivity.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
To build with this mindset is to ensure that the design itself speaks, preventing the passage of time from quietly rewriting a deeply specific history into a generic tragedy.
—Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
To combat this, Gap is pushing for a cultural mindset shift.
—Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Interviews from Robertson ahead of his final game last month offered an insight into the understandable mindset of the players at the time.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 11 June 2026
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Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Ask the right questions to shift your mindset.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
That resolve and resourcefulness has been an abiding mindset almost forever in Kansas City, which long has had more than its share of world-class institutions.
—Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
Shift your mindset and recognize that maintenance is a predictable, long-term cost.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
Building Sugarwater also reflects Carrie’s broader ethos, one that rejects a scarcity mindset and instead embraces collaboration and connectivity.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
To build with this mindset is to ensure that the design itself speaks, preventing the passage of time from quietly rewriting a deeply specific history into a generic tragedy.
—Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
To combat this, Gap is pushing for a cultural mindset shift.
—Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Interviews from Robertson ahead of his final game last month offered an insight into the understandable mindset of the players at the time.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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