Definition of ambitionnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ambition different from other nouns like it?

The words aspiration and pretension are common synonyms of ambition. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

When would aspiration be a good substitute for ambition?

Although the words aspiration and ambition have much in common, aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

In what contexts can pretension take the place of ambition?

In some situations, the words pretension and ambition are roughly equivalent. However, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

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 San Diego's new culinary ambitions are drawing veteran chefs like Jason McLeod back too. Amber Gibson, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026 The company’s longer-term ambition is for India itself to emerge as a hub within the global preservation ecosystem. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026 The Pentagon’s firing of two dozen admirals and generals over the past year has made some wary of challenging the president’s ambitions. Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026 That secret, a CNN investigation has found, centered on China’s covert plans to massively expand its nuclear ambitions. Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
  • Michael Busch had three hits for Chicago, which begins the season with World Series aspirations after losing to Milwaukee in the playoffs last year.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Kansas City Royals have postseason aspirations.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Thanks to the PlayLA initiative, which is funded by LA28 and the International Olympic Committee, most kids pay $10 for the whole season.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The chamber and the city are trying their own initiatives, too.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hosting the biggest weekend in college basketball would be ideal, Orr and Wood of Sacramento State said, a goal shared by Visit Sacramento.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • In 73 career regular-season games with the Sirens and Ottawa Charge, Roese has accumulated 25 points (3 goals, 22 assists).
    Twin Cities, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That work was on display this week as Thomas Jefferson High School junior Bella Smith helped younger students hunt for Easter eggs – a simple moment that mirrors her own determination.
    Robbie Owens, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Those determinations complete the World Cup’s 48-team draw, as well as the full schedule, as North America for the first time serves as host.
    Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Towns finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and seven turnovers on 8-of-12 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action on Wednesday.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • February 19 – March 20 Certain feelings presently require action to be fully realized.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The robotic characters break free from their restaurant resting place to cause chaos in town, while the villainous Marionette pops up to possess victims for her own nefarious purposes.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Trump has not only stolen top-secret government files, apparently for business purposes but used his office to harass and investigate his political targets.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The reason for that association could simply be that the people eating these low-variety diets have more self-discipline or motivation to lose weight, per the researchers.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Baker argued that the DA’s office and Rosen’s campaign are legally separate, denied any political motivation in the prosecution, and noted that campaign donation records are public — adding that the office had already turned over emails between a senior prosecutor and the campaign manager.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The dinky port town of Antiparos, with a strip of cute shops, cafes, and unpretentious restaurants, is a ten-minute drive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to participating in rallies, the League holds voter registration drives and candidate forums.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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