ambivalence

noun

am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
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
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.
This is not someone who cannot produce a modern-day smash, but someone choosing to narrate her ambivalence about it. — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Her approach will likely be marked by ambiguity and ambivalence, as long as possible. — ABC News, 14 June 2026 In the festival’s early years, the biggest obstacle was ambivalence. — Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 None of these readings are so emphatic as to render the others immaterial, and the pervading ambivalence paired with a steady but creeping pace could turn off viewers who just want a good mystery to solve. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambivalence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ambivalenz, from ambi- ambi- + -valenz, in Äquivalenz equivalence

Note: See note at ambivalent.

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambivalence was in 1909

Rhymes for ambivalence

See All Rhymes for ambivalence

Browse Nearby Words

ambitus
ambivalence
ambivalent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ambivalence

noun
am·​biv·​a·​lence am-ˈbiv-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
: 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
ambivalent
-lənt How to pronounce ambivalence (audio)
adjective
ambivalently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ambivalence

Nglish: Translation of ambivalence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ambivalence

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