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 event evidently singled out Newsom due to his frontrunner status in very early pre-campaign polling, as well as the leading role California’s high tech industry plays in developing AI and Newsom’s somewhat ambivalent attitude toward AI’s potential effects.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Based on the public defender’s account, Bell appeared at best ambivalent in the face of blatant prosecutorial misconduct.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Humans have an ambivalent relationship with raccoons.
—Kelly Lambert, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
Neither pet nor pest Humans have an ambivalent relationship with raccoons.
—Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Based on the public defender’s account, Bell appeared at best ambivalent in the face of blatant prosecutorial misconduct.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Humans have an ambivalent relationship with raccoons.
—Kelly Lambert, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
Neither pet nor pest Humans have an ambivalent relationship with raccoons.
—Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambivalent
Adjective
-
These delicate items can’t be tossed in the washing machine, which leaves many people unsure how to clean them.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Adults who are unsure can check vaccination records or consult with their health care provider.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
By being honest about the sacrifices required to move from a local paper to a major TV news anchor desk, Maggie gave us permission to be ambitious and conflicted.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
-
But that conflicted state is a fascinating springboard for the relationships in the play.—
Doni Wilson,
Houston Chronicle,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
All your really doing is physically hurting your child–which might lead them to feel angry, afraid, or betrayed.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Over its eight-year run, ABC’s The Rookie has never been afraid to color outside the lines of the network TV cop show format.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Wild are very hesitant to part with Russian rookie center Danila Yurov, whose development in his first year playing in North America has been impressive.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Angela Hassell, the executive director of Loaves and Fishes, offered both hesitant support for and doubts about the safe camping site.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What remains is a harder bargain in an uncertain place — assuming the bankers choose to come back at all.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
This information can help demining operators make safer and more informed decisions, particularly in challenging or uncertain conditions.—
Sagar Lekhak,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ambivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambivalent. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
