AMBIVALENT Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

ambivalent

adjective

am-ˈbi-və-lənt

Definition of ambivalent

as in unsure

having a mixture of opposing feelings she's somewhat ambivalent about the relationship

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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 That song features a special guest, credited under the pseudonym Son-John Johnson, who sure sounds a lot like Geese’s Cameron Winter — another indie singer-songwriter who often seems ambivalent about being put under the microscope of fame. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 People feel ambivalent about scrolling feeds, Marika Lüders, a professor of media and communication at the University of Oslo, wrote to me on this point. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for ambivalent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambivalent

Adjective

Victims’ families and experts are unsure the higher amounts will be enough to get tipsters to come forward, citing people's fears and distrust of the federal government.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Victims’ families and experts are unsure the higher amounts will be enough to get tipsters to come forward, citing people’s fears and distrust of the federal government.

— Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

The British-Argentine actor’s point has less to do with her conflicted con artist cheating death numerous times and besting her mobster in-laws, as well as the FBI.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
That perspective may be reassuring for parents who feel conflicted about screen time.

— Tara Duncan, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of conflicted

Adjective

The most impressive trick Paranormal Activity pulls off is making an entire theater — devotees and newcomers alike — afraid to look away, and giving them one hell of a good time while doing it.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
What’s left is a vaguely political YouTube series afraid of its own tail, incapable of being actually relatable and too cowardly to own the batshit truths of these people’s lives.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of afraid

Adjective

Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida.

— Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, FL.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hesitant

Adjective

What remains uncertain is how damaging the resolution will be—and for whom.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
When markets are uncertain about how central bankers will respond to incoming data, speculation can fill the void, according to a Barclays report last month.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

ambits

ambivalent

amble

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“Ambivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambivalent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ambivalent

adjective

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