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Definitions

ambition

[am-bish-uhn] / æmˈbɪʃ ən /
NOUN
strong desire for success
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appetite aspiration desire energy enthusiasm hope initiative longing love lust passion pretension spirit vigor yearning zeal
STRONG
ardor avidity craving drive eagerness earnestness emulation enterprise hankering hunger itch keenness moxie push striving thirst
WEAK
fire in belly get up and go right stuff
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathy aversion disgust dislike distaste hate hatred idleness inactivity indifference lethargy pessimism repulsion
STRONG
disinterest
WEAK
contentment diffidence humility laziness satisfaction
NOUN
something desired
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aim aspiration desire dream goal hope objective purpose wish
STRONG
end enterprise intent mark target
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dislike hate hatred
WEAK
apathy contentment diffidence humility indifference laziness satisfaction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Our ambition is to bring this technology to the entire world. That’s not possible with injectables, full stop.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

A nation worth defending isn’t merely one strong enough to field an army, but one prosperous enough to reward work, invention and ambition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Everyone hates the Girl Boss, but female founders really were underresourced, and female ambition really was treated with disdain and distrust.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Irene’s artistic ambition and free-spirited nature draw Soames to her.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

He longs for that time—the walk to the mill, the declaration of shared ambition, of understanding.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.