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 sequel could use a lot more of her ambivalence towards the character.
—
A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
The Vatican’s new classifications make possible such expressions of ambivalence.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Fast forward to 1999, when the TV series South Park captured the dark side of this ambivalence as only satire can.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
In a 2002 interview with The Times, Katt expressed ambivalence about chasing success in Hollywood.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambivalence
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A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
The Vatican’s new classifications make possible such expressions of ambivalence.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Fast forward to 1999, when the TV series South Park captured the dark side of this ambivalence as only satire can.
—Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
In a 2002 interview with The Times, Katt expressed ambivalence about chasing success in Hollywood.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambivalence
Cite this Entry
“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 30 Apr. 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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