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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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
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, a man tasked with overseeing the election but drawn into a web of secrets, ambition, and spiritual crisis.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
As Martinez’s portfolio grew, so did the ambition of the city’s new mayor, Pedro Zaragoza.
—Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Kim highlights Netflix’s focus on training programs for creators and production crews, emphasizing that the overall industry ecosystem needs to develop alongside Netflix’s ambitions in the region.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Partnerships and ambitions may be at odds.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
As Martinez’s portfolio grew, so did the ambition of the city’s new mayor, Pedro Zaragoza.
—Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Kim highlights Netflix’s focus on training programs for creators and production crews, emphasizing that the overall industry ecosystem needs to develop alongside Netflix’s ambitions in the region.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Partnerships and ambitions may be at odds.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
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The camp’s main street intersection — Tự Do (Freedom) and Nhân Đạo (Humanity) — spoke of our aspirations and hope.—
Lauren Vuong,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
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Their names are Ty (Mackie) and Maxine (Bailey), siblings with different aspirations.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But all these initiatives took shape as Washington cut back the U.S. military presence in Asia to focus on crises in Europe and the Middle East.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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And post 2020, organizations’ dedication to DEI initiatives has dwindled, essentially repeating the cycle of Black folks being used and then abused.—
Joce Blake,
Essence,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The key to success is finding the best glycolic acid formula for your skin’s needs and goals, which includes figuring out the right format and concentration of acid.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
19 Apr. 2025
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With 16 goals and five assists in 32 games, Bryan Mbeumo might already be in your ‘joy to watch’ list.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The song finds Wetmore shedding light on a childhood with a father battling against alcohol and pills, and Wetmore’s resulting desire and determination to forge a different path.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
22 Apr. 2025
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Sustainable workplace culture change requires both determination and adaptability.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Cavaliers played Herro aggressively, denying him the ball and working to keep him out of the Heat’s offensive actions.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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In an attempt to give Antetokounmpo another option, Kuzma cut into the paint, but that action just ran him into Turner and clogged the floor.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
27 Apr. 2025
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Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Strategic and critical thinking are valuable no matter the level of seniority, as is empathy, as marketing is all about connecting with an audience by understanding their needs and motivations.—
Christine Pilkington,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Walking with others can also promote a sense of camaraderie, along with accountability, encouragement, and motivation to stick with a walking routine.14 8.—
Cathy Nelson,
Verywell Health,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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One of drive, skill, and physicality, and the two midfielders both possess the engine to return to their defensive positions quickly when needed.—
James Nalton,
Forbes,
13 Feb. 2023
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Potentially more significant are subsidies paid to companies that manufacture batteries in the United States, part of a drive by the Biden administration to establish a domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China.—
Jack Ewing,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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