ambivalent

adjective

am-ˈbi-və-lənt How to pronounce ambivalent (audio)
Definition of ambivalentnext
as in unsure
having a mixture of opposing feelings she's somewhat ambivalent about the relationship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ambivalent Agazero’s new take on the genre retains a similarly ambivalent attitude toward the dancefloor. — Amanda Cavalcanti, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 Overall, watching my previously ambivalent friends and family members really gain a new appreciation for this sport during this World Cup. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026 The time may have passed for the Kremlin to consider the White House ambivalent as to the fate of Europe. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 After all, the feature debut of Swiss director and writer Jan-Eric Mack features an ambivalent main character, namely a single mother who doesn’t fit neatly into categories of black or white and good or evil. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambivalent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambivalent
  1. unsure
  2. conflicted
  3. afraid
  4. hesitant
  5. uncertain
Adjective
  • Given his long absence from public view, analysts are unsure whether Khamanei is indeed the architect of the new set-up.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Pundits are unsure whether Minnesota will yield a similar result.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsure
Adjective
  • That perspective may be reassuring for parents who feel conflicted about screen time.
    — Tara Duncan, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has appeared more conflicted with the conservative Supreme Court justices since February, when the court struck down his sweeping global tariffs in a 6-3 vote supported by Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Neil Gorsuch and Barrett.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of conflicted
Adjective
  • So my encouragement to young Latino artists out there is to keep creating and don’t be afraid of creating.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Not afraid of breaking tradition, Morgan and Jezzel decided to find their wedding gowns together and made eight salon visits in two weeks.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • After this crisis, some governments may also be even more hesitant to increase their dependence on China, which dominates clean energy supply chains, particularly for critical minerals, batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In speaking with folks who live here, they are thrilled the city is now getting involved but are hesitant to claim any kind of victory just yet.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitant
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

ambits
ambivalent
amble
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Cite this Entry

“Ambivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambivalent. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ambivalent for Spanish Speakers

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