ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
1
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
felt ambivalence toward his powerful father
ambivalence toward marriage
2
a
: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
b
: uncertainty as to which approach to follow
ambivalence about their goals

Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence

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.
It could be considered a sign of ambivalence toward her mirror image, or the body image created through internalizing the gaze of the other. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2025 But its centerpiece tracks march from ambivalence to … a different kind of ambivalence. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025 Among the remaining respondents, 38% expressed opposition, and 26% expressed ambivalence toward this proposal. Adam Eichen, The Conversation, 11 June 2025 The controversial decision entrenches China in one of Israel's most strategic locations and reflects the continuing ambivalence of countries toward the Chinese Communist Party. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambivalence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambivalence was in 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun
am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellionG. S. Blum
ambivalent adjective
ambivalently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ambivalence

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