AMBITION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ambition' different from other nouns like it?

The words aspiration and pretension are common synonyms of ambition . While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire. // driven by ambition

Q: When would 'aspiration' be a good substitute for 'ambition'?

Although the words aspiration and ambition have much in common, aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself. // an aspiration to become president someday

Q: In what contexts can 'pretension' take the place of 'ambition'?

In some situations, the words pretension and ambition are roughly equivalent. However, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption. // has literary pretensions

ambition

noun

am-ˈbi-shən

Definition of ambition next

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

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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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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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ambition different from other nouns like it?

The words aspiration and pretension are common synonyms of ambition. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition

When would aspiration be a good substitute for ambition?

Although the words aspiration and ambition have much in common, aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself.

an aspiration to become president someday

In what contexts can pretension take the place of ambition?

In some situations, the words pretension and ambition are roughly equivalent. However, pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

Examples 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 ambition To read these lines aloud is to feel the gravity and the intensity of their ambition. —

Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 The trade would give the Cubs one of the deeper starting rotations in the National League, and affirm their ambitions to break their four-year playoff drought after acquiring Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 The series delves into themes of ambition, resilience, and the stark contrasts between different social strata. —

Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Dec. 2024 Women’s sports are on the rise because women have a unique way of exhibiting and channeling passion, ambition, and determination on the court, field, and rink. —

Jeff Fromm, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ambition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition

Noun

This strategy could reduce the burden of travel while opening up opportunities for drivers like Larson, who has aspirations of trying his skills at the Indy 500 in 2025.

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Saffold walked to the front of the class and quizzed the students about their career aspirations.

La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024