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
More investment into chronically underfunded European defense is key, but security experts are increasingly warning that a big shift in mindset is needed across the board too.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
The champion’s mindset—persnickety, hyper-critical, focused—is back.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025
After leaning heavily on inexperienced young players or hitters deep into their 30s in an effort to stitch something together, Lowe's arrival signals a shift in mindset.
—CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
With Uranus in Gemini, you’re invited to align your money mindset with your curiosity instead of duty.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
At the spa's Longevity Clinic, cryotherapy, infrared, and lymphatic flow systems help guests biohack their way to better health, beauty, and even mindset.
—Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
Rather than viewing her return to SIV as a step backward, Rena sees it as a leaning back into her creative roots and into the mindset that first pushed her to take risks.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 22 Dec. 2025
Shortly before Mahomes underwent surgery to address damage to his left ACL and LCL, Reid expressed confidence in the quarterback's mindset regarding his rehab approach.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025
Kari Leibowitz, a psychologist who has studied Norwegians in this region, wrote for The Atlantic in 2015 that those who lived farther north had a more positive, and protective, mindset about the wintertime.
—Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
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Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
The champion’s mindset—persnickety, hyper-critical, focused—is back.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025
After leaning heavily on inexperienced young players or hitters deep into their 30s in an effort to stitch something together, Lowe's arrival signals a shift in mindset.
—CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
With Uranus in Gemini, you’re invited to align your money mindset with your curiosity instead of duty.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
At the spa's Longevity Clinic, cryotherapy, infrared, and lymphatic flow systems help guests biohack their way to better health, beauty, and even mindset.
—Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
Rather than viewing her return to SIV as a step backward, Rena sees it as a leaning back into her creative roots and into the mindset that first pushed her to take risks.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 22 Dec. 2025
Shortly before Mahomes underwent surgery to address damage to his left ACL and LCL, Reid expressed confidence in the quarterback's mindset regarding his rehab approach.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025
Kari Leibowitz, a psychologist who has studied Norwegians in this region, wrote for The Atlantic in 2015 that those who lived farther north had a more positive, and protective, mindset about the wintertime.
—Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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