mentality

noun

men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
Synonyms of mentalitynext
1
: mental power or capacity : intelligence
2
: mode or way of thought : outlook
… the imperialist mentality of the nineteenth century.—John Davies

Synonyms of mentality

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Examples of mentality in a Sentence

most teenagers do not have the mentality to foresee the consequences of such risky behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Atlanta Dream returned home and brought their winning mentality with them. — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026 For a player that has had a public eye on his contract situation this offseason, Pickens has been front-and-center with his mentality and approach in Oxnard so far. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 Despite the project’s associations with jazz, improv, and post-punk, Durutti Column transcendence rarely arises from a guys-in-the-room mentality; Reilly seems to compose in profound isolation, letting ambered reverb pool out from his fingers. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 His experience, professionalism, and competitive mentality will elevate everyone around him. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mentality

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mentality was in 1856

Phrases Containing mentality

Rhymes for mentality

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Browse Nearby Words

mentalité
mentality
mentally
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Cite this Entry

“Mentality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mentality. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power : intelligence
2
: a particular way of thinking : outlook

Medical Definition

mentality

noun
men·​tal·​i·​ty men-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce mentality (audio)
plural mentalities
1
: mental power or capacity
2
: mode or way of thought

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Nglish: Translation of mentality for Spanish Speakers

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