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 Russian mindset must be recognized — and acted upon.
—Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
The whole building’s in this growth mindset.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The rise of Zillow and other real estate aggregators now easily reveal the value of your and any neighbors’ homes, and as such, design mindsets have changed.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2025
That mindset has also shaped the unconventional career path of Life360 CEO Lauren Antonoff.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Regular penetration testing gives insight by simulating the mindset of attackers.
—Malana Vantyler, Ascend Agency, 16 Dec. 2025
That mindset has posed a challenge when Native people examine the health of Indigenous communities.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Dec. 2025
At the heart of every Hustle & Hope card is a QR code that unlocks a free digital guide on topics like job searching, confidence building, productivity, mindset shifts, and dealing with major life changes.
—Essence, 12 Dec. 2025
The mindset shift earned him 19 points and five assists on the night, his best output yet in 2025-26.
—Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
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Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025
The whole building’s in this growth mindset.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
The rise of Zillow and other real estate aggregators now easily reveal the value of your and any neighbors’ homes, and as such, design mindsets have changed.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 17 Dec. 2025
That mindset has also shaped the unconventional career path of Life360 CEO Lauren Antonoff.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
Regular penetration testing gives insight by simulating the mindset of attackers.
—Malana Vantyler, Ascend Agency, 16 Dec. 2025
That mindset has posed a challenge when Native people examine the health of Indigenous communities.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Dec. 2025
At the heart of every Hustle & Hope card is a QR code that unlocks a free digital guide on topics like job searching, confidence building, productivity, mindset shifts, and dealing with major life changes.
—Essence, 12 Dec. 2025
The mindset shift earned him 19 points and five assists on the night, his best output yet in 2025-26.
—Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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