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
In a 2002 interview with The Times, Katt expressed ambivalence about chasing success in Hollywood.
—
Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Israel has, in fact, never faced so much ambivalence about military service on the part of its reservists—not even during its politically controversial 1982 war in Lebanon or during the second intifada, which lasted from 2000 to 2006.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
In some ways, China's ambivalence about taking on greater global responsibilities mirrors Americans' wariness and weariness with foreign adventures, against the background of domestic political and economic woes.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
But 20 minutes in, there’s already some ambivalence: The Maserati feels fast, but not brain-meltingly fast.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambivalence
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Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Israel has, in fact, never faced so much ambivalence about military service on the part of its reservists—not even during its politically controversial 1982 war in Lebanon or during the second intifada, which lasted from 2000 to 2006.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
In some ways, China's ambivalence about taking on greater global responsibilities mirrors Americans' wariness and weariness with foreign adventures, against the background of domestic political and economic woes.
—Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
But 20 minutes in, there’s already some ambivalence: The Maserati feels fast, but not brain-meltingly fast.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambivalence
Cite this Entry
“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 18 Apr. 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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