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
But using that money wisely also demands a different mindset.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
For The Times) Ruby Cochrane and Olga Nikolaeva epitomized the mindset Mira Costa brought to Saturday afternoon’s Southern Section Division 1 girls’ beach volleyball championship match at Long Beach City College.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
This mindset has led to secrecy, aggressive marketing, and relentless focus on outperforming rivals.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026
But in the Crooks case, key questions about motive and mindset have lingered long after the shooting, fueling speculation about what investigators know and why the public still knows so little.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Asking a musician about their influences can elicit a boiler plate response revealing little about their mindset and motivations.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Samuelsson talked about changing mindsets, expanding the company's manufacturing footprint in South Carolina and whether Volvo will make a performance car again.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Jay Martinez, a Sacramento Republican and small business owner, counts himself among them and is now looking to the next election with a new mindset.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Chicago should adopt a blitz mindset.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
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Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
For The Times) Ruby Cochrane and Olga Nikolaeva epitomized the mindset Mira Costa brought to Saturday afternoon’s Southern Section Division 1 girls’ beach volleyball championship match at Long Beach City College.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
This mindset has led to secrecy, aggressive marketing, and relentless focus on outperforming rivals.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 May 2026
But in the Crooks case, key questions about motive and mindset have lingered long after the shooting, fueling speculation about what investigators know and why the public still knows so little.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Asking a musician about their influences can elicit a boiler plate response revealing little about their mindset and motivations.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Samuelsson talked about changing mindsets, expanding the company's manufacturing footprint in South Carolina and whether Volvo will make a performance car again.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Jay Martinez, a Sacramento Republican and small business owner, counts himself among them and is now looking to the next election with a new mindset.
—Steve Large, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Chicago should adopt a blitz mindset.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mindset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mindset. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
mindset
noun
mind·set
variants
also mind-set
: a mental inclination, tendency, or habit
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
