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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
his ambition is to study international business, then get a job overseas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of ambition
Farage is plainly struggling to balance his desire to be close to MAGA with his domestic ambitions.
—
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Those days are over, as a new breed of NWSL owner has joined the league during the past five years with big ambitions, including private equity giant Sixth Street, which has more than $100 billion in assets under management and is the control owner of Bay FC.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
People still want the branding that comes with ambition.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Banners hanging in the Broward Estates Elementary School cafeteria tout positive character traits, like ambition and wisdom.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Those days are over, as a new breed of NWSL owner has joined the league during the past five years with big ambitions, including private equity giant Sixth Street, which has more than $100 billion in assets under management and is the control owner of Bay FC.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 14 Mar. 2025
People still want the branding that comes with ambition.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Banners hanging in the Broward Estates Elementary School cafeteria tout positive character traits, like ambition and wisdom.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
-
The learning experience has shaped Mohammed's future aspirations.—
UNICEF USA,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Sell's confidence signals how interest in long-term data center power is creating markets for SMRs, which many tech giants have aspirations to eventually deploy.—
Ben Geman,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The legacy of commitments, initiatives, and investments—or the lack thereof—was handicapping his ability to get the right strategy in place for future growth.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Rolling back the studios’ diversity initiatives will likely only ensure this continues.—
Jason Parham,
WIRED,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Alex Ovechkin did not have a shot on goal despite playing nearly 19 minutes with 8:41 of it on the power play.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2025
-
According to this theory, traditional notions of masculinity are associated with the pursuit of goals, competition and personal achievement, while femininity is associated with affiliative goals, social orientation, and a desire for connection.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
His determination led to McIlroy's second career win at the event, silencing doubters.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The city’s Department of Finance was reviewing the OCB determination and did not immediately return a request for comment.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Though, federal court action has paused the White House's push to deport him.—
Axios,
Axios,
15 Mar. 2025
-
In none of these examples do people today, or those of the past, deserve these actions.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
For recording purposes, some of the best models will continue to run on powerful personal computers.—
Nate Anderson,
Ars Technica,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Green presents many symbols of unease that exist without purpose throughout the film.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Their personal stories also flip their motivations.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Hinsdale South wrestler Callie Carr had a simple motivation that helped drive her perfect 39-0 record, which was capped off with a state championship.—
Chuck Fieldman,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share