ambivalence
noun
am·biv·a·lence
am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s 
1
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (such as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
felt ambivalence toward his powerful father
ambivalence toward marriage
2
a
: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
b
: uncertainty as to which approach to follow
ambivalence about their goals
Examples of ambivalence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, much of Asia views the liberal order with ambivalence.
—
Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Based on therapist Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems therapy, this approach features ambivalence as a centerpiece of healthy psychological functioning.
—Michael Alcee, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
Embracing ambivalences and multivalences, as discussed by Starker and Peschke, as valuable sources of information is crucial for guiding transformation processes effectively.
—Cristian Hofmann, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Her research shows that in an adversarial environment, leaders who express ambivalence are unfairly judged as less dominant.
—Michael Alcee, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ambivalence 
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Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Based on therapist Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems therapy, this approach features ambivalence as a centerpiece of healthy psychological functioning.
—Michael Alcee, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
Embracing ambivalences and multivalences, as discussed by Starker and Peschke, as valuable sources of information is crucial for guiding transformation processes effectively.
—Cristian Hofmann, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Her research shows that in an adversarial environment, leaders who express ambivalence are unfairly judged as less dominant.
—Michael Alcee, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ambivalence
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Cite this Entry
“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ambivalence
noun
am·biv·a·lence
am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s
: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action
ambivalence which is expressed in behavior by alternating obedience and rebellion—G. S. Blum
G. S. Blum
ambivalently
adverb
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