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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 On season eight of the show, Radke butted heads with then-fiancée Lindsay Hubbard, who demanded more ambition from him and immediately nixed his idea for starting a sober sports bar. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 June 2025 These appointments mark a significant step in supporting the studio’s evolving vision and global ambitions. Jamie Lang, Variety, 5 June 2025 Their ambition: to be the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic. David Rooney june 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025 That evolution mirrors trends seen in other fragile states where the rule of law has eroded — but with one key difference: Venezuela’s criminal strategy is explicitly transnational, with ambitions that extend far beyond its borders. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition
Noun
  • Amazon did not immediately return Sourcing Journal’s request for comment on its robotics aspirations.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
  • The governor, with obvious presidential aspirations, can thread the needle and balance the need for economic growth and the protection of Maryland’s land.
    Joanne Frederick, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • In March 2024, Galassi formally notified the Italian oversight committee of the buyback initiative.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
  • That’s why Telefilm is investing heavily in initiatives that connect Canadian creators with global markets, including First Look, which introduces Canadian films in post-production to U.S. sales agents and festival programmers.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The goal is to condense a process that can take up to two years down to a handful of months.
    Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • From a basketball standpoint, Newell’s experiences with hard work and determination have manifested themselves into a never-ending urge to hunt offensive rebounds.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Despite facing serious health challenges, Les Jones continues to chase the trails as a powerful reminder that passion and determination can carry us far.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The judges referred the lawyers in both cases to their professional regulators, but did not take more serious action.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Anybody who's worked in government or seen government up-close and in action (sometimes inaction) knows there's waste to be cut.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The unusually large influx of immigrants in detention meant a backlog was created at the office in Burlington, causing people arrested on an immigration violation to be held for days in a facility unequipped for the purpose, according to lawyers for the detainees.
    Ben Adler, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • That should matter to leaders, because real connection drives motivation, creativity, and well-being.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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