as in unsure
having a mixture of opposing feelings
she's somewhat ambivalent about the relationship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ambivalent
The Kurds are ambivalent about joining and view their role as that of a bridge.
—
Felice Friedson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Putting private anguish and public witnessing into forceful tension, Paksa fashioned a productively ambivalent rubric for the artist under authoritarianism.
—Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Others, such as Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, seem ambivalent or opportunistic.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Far-right commentators were predictably incensed by Carton’s decision to call things off with the more politically ambivalent Ben Mezzenga.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Felice Friedson, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Putting private anguish and public witnessing into forceful tension, Paksa fashioned a productively ambivalent rubric for the artist under authoritarianism.
—Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Others, such as Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, seem ambivalent or opportunistic.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
Far-right commentators were predictably incensed by Carton’s decision to call things off with the more politically ambivalent Ben Mezzenga.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambivalent
Adjective
-
The setback will cost taxpayers nearly $1 million pulled from the county’s Office of Homelessness Solutions budget, a financial burden that officials were at one point unsure the county could afford.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Daghighi is one of the older students in her classes, which initially left her feeling uncomfortable and unsure of herself.—
Jenelyn Russo,
Oc Register,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
California voters remain conflicted on the state’s regulation of the oil industry, according to an August survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Although defined by his anti-war activism, McDonald would acknowledge conflicted feelings about Vietnam.—
Hillel Italie,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Designed to encourage everyone to let their creativity run wild and to not be afraid to stand out from the crowd.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
God complex Having legions of loyal followers who regard you as Muad'Dib, the Fremen chosen one, can clearly go to your head, and Paul isn't afraid to put on a show for the masses.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
A-list talent and directors were hesitant to work with the pair, sources say.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Downtowns across the country need to find solutions, experts warn, as dark storefronts can lead to a downward spiral, with companies hesitant to lease office space in vacant areas.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Others say the divide is real, even if its long-term political impact remains uncertain.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Cooper remains uncertain whether those efforts will be sustained.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ambivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambivalent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
