ambivalence

noun

am·biv·a·lence | \ am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s

Definition of ambivalence

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

2a : 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 On Tuesday, Schantz apologized for that ambivalence. — Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 17 May 2022 Western observers have lambasted India’s steadfast ambivalence. — Sadanand Dhume, WSJ, 3 Mar. 2022 The sudden shift from decadeslong ambivalence toward Russia, to 2022’s strong policy stance, is actually characteristic of German politics, says Tyson Barker, head of technology and foreign policy for the German Council on Foreign Relations. — Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2022 Yet despite our long fascination with family history, outsiders have also picked up on an American ambivalence toward it. — Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 27 Apr. 2022 Japan's current ambivalence to the yen's sharp decline is, in many ways, a legacy of the transformations the Plaza intervention set in motion. — Fortune, 22 Apr. 2022 The movie is geared to celebrity worshippers who are incapable of perceiving the complexity and ambivalence of Cage’s failed artistic efforts (Wild at Heart, Birdy, Adaptation, Vampire’s Kiss, and Matchstick Men). — Armond White, National Review, 22 Apr. 2022 Her initial reaction was a stream of ambivalence and concern. — Brooks Sutherland, The Enquirer, 20 Apr. 2022 Many Latin American countries are transforming their laws on social issues amid growing ambivalence over the influence of the Catholic Church in the region. — Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ambivalence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries Near ambivalence

ambitus

ambivalence

ambivalent

Statistics for ambivalence

Last Updated

20 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for ambivalence

ambivalence

noun

am·biv·a·lence | \ am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s

Medical Definition of ambivalence

: 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 rebellion— G. S. Blum