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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

Example 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 But the Moroccan federation’s investments and ambitions have not been exclusively focused on the women’s side; it’s been bullish on the men’s, too. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 27 July 2025 Our ambition is to reach two million people with long-acting PrEP. New Atlas, 26 July 2025 And what becomes of the product will speak volumes of Liberty Media’s current U.S. ambitions—as well as Apple’s sports stance. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 July 2025 The cult’s ambition to resurrect Yast reflects a dangerous blend of fanaticism and pseudo-science, where ancient rituals meet modern technology. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
  • Indeed, in spite of Nuro’s announcement of ordering 20,000 Lucid vehicles, there have been many declarations of large orders from other companies, including Waymo, that were just aspirations, and never came to pass.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • But, still, the study offers valuable evidence for understanding the earliest stages of dating in the digital age—suggesting that reality ultimately brings aspirations back to a more balanced playing field.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Companies that recently scrapped DEI initiatives These businesses followed on the heels of the initial wave of companies removing diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • Finance leaders play a vital role in ensuring the organization’s technology modernization journey delivers maximum value by identifying the modernization initiatives offering the highest ROI potential with the lowest project execution risk.
    Jim DeLoach, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • The Argentine forward has 12 goals and seven assists in league play this season, his best return in three seasons in purple.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • In just a matter of days, internet users have praised Hall's incredible determination, leading to over 4,100 comments so far.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
  • Behind his determination is a fear of failure that weighs on his confidence.
    Brett Burlone, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Hot on the heels of a major ransomware group being taken down through an international law enforcement operation comes a new development that highlights the whack-a-mole nature of such actions: A new group, likely comprised of some of the same members, has already taken its place.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2025
  • Although Trump signaled that the ruling protects Obama, there is no current investigation that has been announced by the Department of Justice into Obama or his administration over actions during the 2016 election.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Achieving a small goal (A) can boost your engagement (E) and deepen your sense of purpose (M).
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One of the main motivations for the group of firefighters during their recovery missions was to locate the missing Camp Mystic girls during their six days along the Guadalupe, Herrera said.
    Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
  • Each situation is unique, but common motivations include: Seeking a faster or more reliable connection Looking for lower monthly costs or promotional deals Wanting better customer service Needing service at a new address due to a move Switching providers can help improve your home Wi-Fi experience.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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