ambivalent

adjective

am-ˈbi-və-lənt How to pronounce ambivalent (audio)
Definition of ambivalentnext
as in unsure
having a mixture of opposing feelings she's somewhat ambivalent about the relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 critical reaction was more ambivalent. — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026 South Korean public opinion, especially among younger generations, has also grown increasingly ambivalent about the potentially enormous economic and social costs reunification would entail. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026 Those who came of age in the past three decades of the 20th century were often more ambivalent about what lipstick – and bright makeup in general – signaled to others. — Eileen G'sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 Were the Kroenkes too busy, too distracted, too ambivalent? — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambivalent
  1. unsure
  2. conflicted
  3. afraid
  4. hesitant
  5. uncertain
Adjective
  • Giblin is unsure what will happen to the pavilion when the church takes over.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • Both playing with the same goal in mind, still unsure if there will be a Heat future for one, both or neither, after the two finished this past season on the Heat roster, Keels on a two-way deal, Young on a standard contract.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • His mother, meanwhile, is understandably much more conflicted.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • Rival events, planned by two different commissions, are adding to the conflicted feelings.
    — James Pollard, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of conflicted
Adjective
  • If your bathroom has a basic flush mount, don’t be afraid to replace it with something more eye-catching, like a sputnik chandelier or a lantern pendant.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
  • People shouldn’t be afraid, Hammerschlag says, because human-shark encounters are extremely rare—you’re statistically more likely to be killed by lightning.
    — Sam Nichols, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • When team members seem disconnected, less motivated or hesitant to contribute, leaders need to look beyond surface-level symptoms and determine what’s really standing in the way of stronger participation and performance.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Some delegates were hesitant, but a committee was appointed to draft the document.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026
Definition of hesitant
Adjective
  • Supporters suggest these approaches could offer alternative financing structures, while critics note that long-term performance and adoption remain uncertain.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • The more proactive, in contrast, would try to steer government R&D toward promising but uncertain conservation experiments.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

ambits
ambivalent
amble
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Cite this Entry

“Ambivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambivalent. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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