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 Newer neutrino detectors continue the tradition of grand ambitions and surprising results. Simon Frantz, Quanta Magazine, 24 June 2026 Some only learned about ICE's ambitions after the agency bought or leased space for detainees. Dan Raby, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Don’t lose your appetite for bigger ambitions. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 June 2026 Gintzburger, who was previously CEO of Alexander McQueen, was tapped to run Versace by the brand’s previous owner, Capri Holdings, which had grand luxury ambitions, but is now focusing in on its Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo businesses. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
  • But countries can be convinced by deft diplomacy, including security guarantees and economic relief, to voluntarily give up their aspiration for nuclear weapons.
    John M. Crisp, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • Because exclusion was often the defining reality of American life, economic empowerment frequently required succeeding in systems that were not designed to accommodate Black aspirations.
    Basil Smikle, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Together with piecemeal tax increases, the framework left little room for big policy initiatives requiring meaningful spending.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Ongoing initiatives will address attendance and ongoing chronic absenteeism, Watkins said.
    Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • His goal is to inspire people to get outside.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Messi, 38, recorded his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Croatia returned from the hydration break with determination, forcing Panama to play its game for the first time so far.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Sayers, however, appealed the OOR’s determination to the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.
    Jonah Walters, The Conversation, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • His shot diet is already optimized for the league, his frame holds up in physical matchups and his off-ball activity gives coaches a willing piece to weave into screen and handoff actions.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Many in Venezuela will now be waiting to see if those vows from the world’s wealthiest nation will now turn into concrete action.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Well, that gives me all the more motivation to bust right through that thing.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • This decline deprives teens of vital skill development, work experience, and motivation, fostering pessimism among Gen Z.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • There is a psychological drive to try to get a second chance at doing something that didn't turn out well the first time.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • The property is near the Palmeraie—a palm tree oasis planted in the 11th century—about a 15-20 minute drive from the heart of Marrakesh, including key sites like the medina, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Bahia Palace.
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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