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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ambition
But beyond the doom and gloom, China’s soccer future may no longer depend solely on top-down ambition.
—
Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
At the time, NASA was counting on the Falcon 9 to return its capability to launch humans, and today, NASA is counting on New Glenn as a key element of its lunar ambitions.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
Unlike contemporaries such as Nirvana, a punk band that wanted to shred the patriarchal rock hegemony of the ’80s, and Pearl Jam, which functioned as an exorcism for the soul night in and night out, Corgan never hid his rock star ambitions.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
Occasionally, in the thick of it all, penises lurk with modest ambition.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
At the time, NASA was counting on the Falcon 9 to return its capability to launch humans, and today, NASA is counting on New Glenn as a key element of its lunar ambitions.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026
Unlike contemporaries such as Nirvana, a punk band that wanted to shred the patriarchal rock hegemony of the ’80s, and Pearl Jam, which functioned as an exorcism for the soul night in and night out, Corgan never hid his rock star ambitions.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
Occasionally, in the thick of it all, penises lurk with modest ambition.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
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As one of the few organizations that has made explicit its aspirations for strategic autonomy, the EU is boosting its collective-defense spending to hedge against an America whose long-term commitments can no longer be relied upon.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
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There’s also a plethora of restaurants of increasing quality and Michelin-level aspirations, which Eduardo Posada, the chef and owner of the popular Posada Restaurant, says has inspired him to raise his game.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Inside the museum, there are exhibitions dedicated to the former president’s political legacy, the former first lady’s public initiatives, and historical movements, such as Civil Rights and Women’s Suffrage, that shaped them both.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
There are some more interesting initiatives, too.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Their goal is to preserve the intimate essence of Cap Rocat for its guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Best of luck accomplishing your goals today, and, of course, do keep in touch.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Frustrated at the lack of evidence and feeling the heat of the gutter press, their determination to hone in on their sole suspect would be laughable if not for the catastrophic consequences.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
3 June 2026
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Deborah’s determination to perform at Madison Square Garden takes the crew to New York City.—
Alexandra Jhamb Burns,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The agreement comes after the Israeli government threatened to escalate its actions in Lebanon — a move that threatens to derail the US-Iran talks.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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Shares are simply due for a breather, as the data center buildout progresses and earnings have a chance to catch up with the price action.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
My novel is about that sea-change and the search for purpose.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
While there is nothing particularly Jordanian about the design, the interiors serve multiple purposes for visiting business travelers and tourists.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
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Osuch said the ability to keep his future options open was his motivation.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The appeal here is proximity to shopping, business offices, and a shorter drive to reach the Old Town area.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Work in a longest-drive contest on a par-5.—
Mac Engel
May 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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