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
After our video call, John Gluck emailed me a list of suggestions for other academics, particularly principal investigators of animal research labs, who are ready to start exploring their ambivalence about animal testing.
—
Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
The giveaway begins with conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto, so great in Marco Bellocchio’s My Mother’s Smile but strident here, away from Bellocchio’s complex virtuoso ambivalence).
—Armond White, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025
There are so many films and TV shows that show women having to choose between creative power and maternal power, as if there were no way to survive the ambivalence and constant juggling act of both.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
Trump’s ambivalence reflects that of the American people.
—Nick Gillespie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambivalence
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Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
The giveaway begins with conservative Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto, so great in Marco Bellocchio’s My Mother’s Smile but strident here, away from Bellocchio’s complex virtuoso ambivalence).
—Armond White, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025
There are so many films and TV shows that show women having to choose between creative power and maternal power, as if there were no way to survive the ambivalence and constant juggling act of both.
—Spin Contributor, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
Trump’s ambivalence reflects that of the American people.
—Nick Gillespie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 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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