ambivalence
noun
am·biv·a·lence
am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 
1
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
felt ambivalence toward his powerful father
ambivalence toward marriage
2
a
: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
b
: uncertainty as to which approach to follow
ambivalence about their goals
Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The same sort of ambivalence goes for the relationship between Lars Norén and Isa Stenberg.
—
Annika Pham, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Among some Democrats, there was a certain ambivalence about Mr. Trump’s second inauguration.
—Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
At the heart of this Darwinian joke, Williams experiences deep ambivalence.
—Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
And Trump’s own ambivalence illustrates the growing problem.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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Annika Pham, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Among some Democrats, there was a certain ambivalence about Mr. Trump’s second inauguration.
—Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
At the heart of this Darwinian joke, Williams experiences deep ambivalence.
—Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
And Trump’s own ambivalence illustrates the growing problem.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ambivalence
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Cite this Entry
“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ambivalence
noun
am·biv·a·lence
am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion—G. S. Blum
G. S. Blum
ambivalently
adverb
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