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
His advice is simple—and notably at odds with the high-risk, high-reward mindset that often defines volatile assets like crypto.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
One of the biggest transits of the month arrives on April 25, which is when change-maker Uranus returns to the sign of Gemini — after its brief transit in 2025 — signaling a new chapter in the realm of communication and mindset.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Similarly a second mindset shift involves removing the pressure to design to accommodate the entire family visiting for a holiday.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Opaque budgets and an austerity mindset lead to distrust in government, perpetuating anti-tax sentiments.
—Celina Su, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
That mindset carried through even during one of the most historic moments of the war, the Battle of Iwo Jima.
—Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
That entrepreneurial mindset continues to shape how Jones approaches Arizona real estate, especially in a market as active and widely discussed as Maricopa County's.
—Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Illinois embodies that mindset this year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Now imagine that mindset applied to a brand-new franchise.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
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Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
One of the biggest transits of the month arrives on April 25, which is when change-maker Uranus returns to the sign of Gemini — after its brief transit in 2025 — signaling a new chapter in the realm of communication and mindset.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Similarly a second mindset shift involves removing the pressure to design to accommodate the entire family visiting for a holiday.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
Opaque budgets and an austerity mindset lead to distrust in government, perpetuating anti-tax sentiments.
—Celina Su, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
That mindset carried through even during one of the most historic moments of the war, the Battle of Iwo Jima.
—Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
That entrepreneurial mindset continues to shape how Jones approaches Arizona real estate, especially in a market as active and widely discussed as Maricopa County's.
—Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Illinois embodies that mindset this year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Now imagine that mindset applied to a brand-new franchise.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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