OVERAMBITIOUS Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

overambitious

adjective

Definition of overambitious

as in opportunistic

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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 overambitious That original felt like an overambitious audition, all screaming guitars and synthesizer lines competing for your attention. — Ahmir “questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026 Misfires in the transfer market, a widespread injury crisis and an overambitious tactical game plan saw everything unravel. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026 Global carmakers have lost over $70 billion in write-offs after drastically scaling back overambitious EV production targets and consumer demand. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Meanwhile, the automaker's current lineup and product strategy feels both tired and overambitious. — Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 22 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overambitious

Adjective

United was more opportunistic, however, outshooting SDFC 15-13 and finishing with more shots on goal (8) than SDFC (2).

— San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Charming Venus in Libra will also bring harmony to your friendships and community, supporting opportunistic introductions and meet-cutes.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of opportunistic

Adjective

By applying a jammy, near-Baduist flow to the sequencing, Zay can cogently dissect 10 ideas in one three-minute song without sounding crowded or, worse, pretentious.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
The Majestic espouses a traditional luxury hotel style without feeling stuffy or pretentious.

— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of pretentious

Adjective

Gianni Infantino has built his presidency on an ability to push through ambitious —and often controversial — changes despite widespread resistance.

— Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The Sacramento Bee covered a range of news on July 31, from a downtown bar’s ambitious makeover to the governor’s tax disclosure.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of ambitious

Adjective

The fire department said firefighters quickly went into defensive mode because the flames were so aggressive.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Starting the playoffs in the wild-card round reduces the World Series odds that Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has repeatedly cited as a factor in how aggressive a front office should be at the trade deadline.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

Also, Norway’s Berg is going under the radar, despite similarly industrious performances in midfield.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Sánchez’s entry features industrious zombies hot on the tails of some cyclists, while Evans’ installment (the best here) deals with a demented doomsday cult.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Definition of industrious

Adjective

Lowe’s tends to be less pushy than some of its competitors – My salesperson explained that windows aren’t Lowe’s main source of revenue, so there is less pressure from corporate to close a sale (as compared to other window replacement companies).

— Jason Rueger, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Under normal conditions, someone who’s bossy or pushy can come across as arrogant and annoying.

— Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Definition of pushy

Adjective

French thrives in Quebec, supported by some extremely assertive language legislation, but the threats of secession in the province are a persistent nuisance.

— Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
His assertive foreign policy made Qatar a key mediator from Darfur to Gaza, while backing Islamists and hosting Taliban talks deepened rifts with neighbors and Western partners.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of assertive

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overambitious

overambitiousness

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“Overambitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overambitious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overambitious

adjective

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