AMBITION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ambition

noun

am-ˈbi-shən

Definition of ambition

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Even half-built, this massive structure has become a visible symbol of the financial industry's recent growth in Texas — and the state's ambitions to steal more business from Wall Street's birthplace in New York. — Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 November 22 – December 21 Your body may reject the schedule your ambition keeps defending. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Our ambition is not to find a solution, but to look at risk and opportunity, and maybe anticipate the market trends ahead. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 And yet ambition and speed alone can’t propel China to global dominance. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition

Noun

And now, with championship aspirations entering his 13th season, and fifth in Los Angeles, Mack is basking in his role as the Chargers’ elder statesman.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
His off-court aspirations take him from Silicon Valley to Hollywood.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of aspiration

Noun

This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Maryland moved more slowly — and with an approach that will not change districts for this year's elections — because Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson blocked an earlier initiative aimed at putting new maps in place for this year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

For years, the FDA has fallen far short on meeting its modest annual goals for foreign food facility inspections, the US Government Accountability Office has found, as the agency struggled to hire and train inspectors.

— Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Mayor Andre Dickens said the development is another step toward his goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable units by 2030.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of goal

Noun

So harnessing the competitiveness and work rate which complemented a generational talent, the former striker went back to the drawing board with gritty determination.

— Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
But engineers don’t have all the data in hand to make a final determination.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of determination

Noun

In this case, Nye’s footnote expressed his concerns with the government’s actions.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
Since the 1970s, the federal government has interpreted harm to include any actions that degrade a species’ habitat, given the necessity of habitat for a species’ survival.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of action

Noun

One of the purposes of Ameri’kana is to gather with other people, meet new neighbors and participate in the arts with others.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
These cultures stem from varied motivations, including wellness, entrepreneurship, and historical advocacy, rather than a monolithic consumer identity.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Having no motor drive meant constant manual tracking, which rules out long-exposure astrophotography of nebulae or galaxies.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and a very mid-century modern common area create a zen backdrop that will be particularly appreciated after a long drive.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of drive

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ambit

ambition

ambitionless

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“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ambition

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