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
For the participants in the study, this ambivalence gave rise to far more than just confusion.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The broadcasters’ ambivalence around coverage shows what a strange spectacle the parade is shaping up to be.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 June 2025
Or maybe the ambivalence is really about art, the agony and bliss of being chained to the drawing board.
—Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Keep in mind that some ambivalence is normal, though, especially in the beginning says Victoria Grinman, PhD, LCSW-R, a psychotherapist and founder of Growing Kind Minds LLC and The Round Table Mentorship.
—Laura Anderson Kirby, Parents, 2 June 2025
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The broadcasters’ ambivalence around coverage shows what a strange spectacle the parade is shaping up to be.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 June 2025
Or maybe the ambivalence is really about art, the agony and bliss of being chained to the drawing board.
—Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
Keep in mind that some ambivalence is normal, though, especially in the beginning says Victoria Grinman, PhD, LCSW-R, a psychotherapist and founder of Growing Kind Minds LLC and The Round Table Mentorship.
—Laura Anderson Kirby, Parents, 2 June 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 18 Jun. 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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