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.
Setting the pace is key against the Valkyries, a team known for its hard-nosed defensive mentality. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Hunter is a compact back renowned for his lower-body power and battering-ram mentality. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Its storyline spins the futile, determined chase of Wile to one day capture Roadrunner as something admirable, and applies that underdog mentality to the average person trying to navigate a late capitalist landscape that values profits over people. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026 The offense must exude that mentality for the Texans to be contenders. — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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