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.
There was no panic, no need for a pick-me-up, no the-sky-is-falling mentality. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 Fully dosed up on an ‘us against them’ mentality, the togetherness between the players, manager and the fans is almost enviable. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Head coach Mike Vrabel was asked after Sunday's game how the team has embraced the next man up mentality. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 There’s a strong contrast between continental and coastal life with different mentalities, social dynamics, habits, food and language. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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