1
as in aspiration
eager desire for personal advancement
"Talent without ambition will not make you a star," the singer's voice coach liked to remind her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in initiative
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity
the ambition shown by the undersea explorers of the Mariana Trench, the deepest in the world
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3
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
his ambition is to study international business, then get a job overseas
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ambition
But for all the humor, the trip was simultaneously a reconnaissance mission and a passive-aggressive reminder of Mr. Trump’s determination to fulfill his territorial ambitions, no matter what the obstacles.
—
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
At the same time, however, Ku, a charismatic young man whose ambition never seems to overwhelm his compassion, cannot, and will not, turn his back entirely on the past.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
And there are good reasons not to doubt the ambitions of China, nor its ability for interplanetary success.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Our continental ambition would ironically lead to Canadian dominance of our legislative branch.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
At the same time, however, Ku, a charismatic young man whose ambition never seems to overwhelm his compassion, cannot, and will not, turn his back entirely on the past.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
And there are good reasons not to doubt the ambitions of China, nor its ability for interplanetary success.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Our continental ambition would ironically lead to Canadian dominance of our legislative branch.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
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The risk of aspiration was also higher due to the lack of sophistication in anesthetics and surgical tools at the time.—
Carson Meyer,
People.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Ironically, these are the aspirations of many an essay writer!—
Jim Euchner,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Of course, there is the possibility that some of these initiatives, plans and advisory committees will somehow resurface in some other forms in the near future.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Be a more empathetic one Employers were scored on several factors, including DEI initiatives, sustainability, compensation and benefits, training and career development, work-life balance, working environment, company image, mental well-being, job security and corporate culture.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Luis Díaz is a big-time player for Colombia, who has scored nine goals in 22 starts for Liverpool this season.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
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The Universal Service Fund was established by the FCC after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with the goal of ensuring communication systems are available nationwide.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Many viewers loved the design and praised the brothers for their determination, but Carter also got his fair share of criticism.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
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One is a determination to keep fighting: beat the administration in the courts, rely on the Congressional support that has saved foreign aid in the past, and return aid to something as close as possible to January 19, 2025.—
Dylan Matthews,
Vox,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That assumes good intentions, transparent action, and a willingness to make tough decisions.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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So far no one has suggested that the deaths are the result of enemy action—that is to say, Belarusian or Russian action—except in the sense that Americans are in Lithuania in the first place to deter a Russian attack.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.—
Teresa Romero Martínez,
Glamour,
22 Mar. 2025
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The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Incorporate a mix of both monetary and non-monetary recognition that aligns with your team’s values and motivations.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Millennials were the most optimistic about business travel overall, describing it as valuable for career development, motivation and team collaboration.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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