AMBITION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ambition

noun

am-ˈbi-shən

Definition of ambition

as in aspiration

eager desire for personal advancement "Talent without ambition will not make you a star," the singer's voice coach liked to remind her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in initiative

readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity the ambition shown by the undersea explorers of the Mariana Trench, the deepest in the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish his ambition is to study international business, then get a job overseas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The presentation comes as Netflix separately expands its AI ambitions, including its acquisition of Ben Affleck’s filmmaking technology company InterPositive. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 With a roster of A-list session warriors, including drummers Matt Chamberlain and Jay Bellerose, their backing band and orchestra lend a grandeur to the LP that finally matched their aesthetic ambitions and gothic lore. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 In a significant statement of intent about its live ambitions, Netflix will exclusively stream every FIFA World Cup 2030 game live in Spain and Andorra. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 Data centers, desalination plants and airports underpin the kingdom’s technology ambitions, water supply and tourism economy. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambition

Noun

Faux, a spot with clear New York City Restaurant aspirations, opened last month in a double-height Tribeca storefront.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
An acquisition of this sort would expand OpenAI's cybersecurity aspirations.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of aspiration

Noun

Imageworks’ mentorship program, which began as a diversity initiative with about 30 participants, is now oversubscribed every year, Grady said.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
The result was a company looking to cut operating costs as part of other internal initiatives to better monetize big-ticket acquisitions.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of initiative

Noun

The Biden administration built it back and set a goal of admitting 125,000 refugees during the final year of his term.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
The company currently takes about a day to build a robot, with the goal of reducing the process to approximately one hour next year.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of goal

Noun

Rather than undertaking the difficult but just and moral work of reform of the nation's immigration laws, Vance would destroy and expel their families with a smile, claiming that such actions will save you money.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
That willingness to take risks extended to campaigning for Jessie and Buzz to kiss amid a perilous action sequence.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of action

Noun

On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Aside from being part of the salon decor, the sculpture’s purpose, Ingram explained, is to introduce Vero’s service to his clientele.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Limiting turnovers and sustaining drives will be crucial against a Jacksonville State team that leaves little margin for error and will capitalize on mistakes.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
But, on the ensuing possession, the Browns had a botched snap on a punt to conclude a drive that lost 29 yards.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of drive

Browse Nearby Words

ambit

ambition

ambitionless

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ambition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ambition

noun

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