1
2
3

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 President Trump decried the CNN story and has claimed the US attack set Tehran’s ambitions back by decades. 5. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 However, the series main character, Mi-ji, has been able to move past the depression that kept her from chasing her ambitions for years. Kayti Burt, Time, 30 June 2025 Oasis were always unashamed in their ambition and bold about conquering the world, but they were staggered by the experience of playing at their club’s home stadium. Michael Cox, New York Times, 29 June 2025 Nevertheless, Infantino’s remarks show ambition to enact what would be a seismic change to how professional men’s soccer has operated in the United States. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
  • Interstellar has aspirations beyond launch vehicles.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
  • Myers posted a series of photos on social media that feature media coverage of his political aspirations.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • But the mammoth legislation also includes cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, while rolling back clean energy credits and initiatives.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • These initiatives build on 10 Corso Como’s increasing focus on boosting its cultural programming, as part of the new direction under the vision of Tiziana Fausti.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The club had allowed just two second-half goals at home all season before Ponce’s brace on Saturday.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The goal is to combine AI’s precision with the human touch that makes influencer marketing truly effective.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The network of community leaders and officials all questioned the administration’s determination that Haiti is now safe enough for people to return.
    Churchill Ndonwie, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • The increasingly obvious awfulness of Dave’s book gives Smollett some great reaction work amid all Michelle’s pained determination.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • One of Netflix’s big movie plays for July is the sequel to its very silly but very fun action fantasy film The Old Guard.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • As Mars enters your sign on June 17, your thoughts and actions both become laser-focused.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • But the main purpose of the tower is to add more beds, Northwestern wrote in the application.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Here are a few of the motivations that incentive experts to switch teams.
    Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Over the years, many readers have shared how Ruby inspired them to pursue their dreams and gave them the motivation to graduate.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ambition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!