1
as in aspiration
eager desire for personal advancement
"Talent without ambition will not make you a star," the singer's voice coach liked to remind her
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2
as in initiative
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity
the ambition shown by the undersea explorers of the Mariana Trench, the deepest in the world
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3
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
his ambition is to study international business, then get a job overseas
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ambition
But for all the humor, the trip was simultaneously a reconnaissance mission and a passive-aggressive reminder of Mr. Trump’s determination to fulfill his territorial ambitions, no matter what the obstacles.
—
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
At the same time, however, Ku, a charismatic young man whose ambition never seems to overwhelm his compassion, cannot, and will not, turn his back entirely on the past.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
And there are good reasons not to doubt the ambitions of China, nor its ability for interplanetary success.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Our continental ambition would ironically lead to Canadian dominance of our legislative branch.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
At the same time, however, Ku, a charismatic young man whose ambition never seems to overwhelm his compassion, cannot, and will not, turn his back entirely on the past.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
And there are good reasons not to doubt the ambitions of China, nor its ability for interplanetary success.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Our continental ambition would ironically lead to Canadian dominance of our legislative branch.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
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Identify options to bridge gaps between the current reality and the aspiration.—
George Bradt,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Those two aspirations are difficult while at Palace and therefore a move away would suit him.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Posen’s tenure at Gap really begins with his new initiative, a premium line called GapStudio, which promises a luxury (or maybe at least premium) product to the standard Gap line that we’re used to.—
Aamina Inayat Khan,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
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The six-year initiative, ending in November 2025, aims to shed light on the possible timeframes during which Mars might have been warm and wet, covered in glaciers, and maybe even suitable for life.—
Jonathan O’Callaghan,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Don't get distracted with minor goals or achievements: aim at something big and transformational. Make extraordinary things simple and accessible.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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But it should be noted that other states like California, Colorado, and Washington are behind their short-term goals as well.—
Kenneth Lovett,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Many viewers loved the design and praised the brothers for their determination, but Carter also got his fair share of criticism.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
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One is a determination to keep fighting: beat the administration in the courts, rely on the Congressional support that has saved foreign aid in the past, and return aid to something as close as possible to January 19, 2025.—
Dylan Matthews,
Vox,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The move adds to similar actions the administration has taken against several elite universities, either demanding changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, or in connection with their handling of protests against the war in Gaza.—
Samantha Waldenberg,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
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But couched within President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement about reciprocal duties was another trade action that has the potential to upend global e-commerce and drastically alter the way products enter the U.S. market.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The remote Norwegian territories, both in the Arctic Ocean, are often mentioned together because of their geographical proximity and the fact that they are collectively designated by the International Organization for Standardization (for statistical purposes).—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2025
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The purpose of the show was to reach across the aisle and form connections between un-like-minded people.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Incorporate a mix of both monetary and non-monetary recognition that aligns with your team’s values and motivations.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Millennials were the most optimistic about business travel overall, describing it as valuable for career development, motivation and team collaboration.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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One of drive, skill, and physicality, and the two midfielders both possess the engine to return to their defensive positions quickly when needed.—
James Nalton,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
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Potentially more significant are subsidies paid to companies that manufacture batteries in the United States, part of a drive by the Biden administration to establish a domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China.—
Jack Ewing,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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