ambitious

adjective

am-ˈbi-shəs How to pronounce ambitious (audio)
Definition of ambitiousnext
1
as in aspiring
having a strong desire for personal advancement an ambitious child actor and his even more ambitious mother, who will do anything to get him in commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aggressive
having or showing a bold forcefulness in the pursuit of a goal cleaning up the vacant lot in one weekend was an ambitious undertaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 ambitious An ambitious, weighty adaptation of Homer’s epic with an all-star cast that grossed over $1 billion? — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 During his first term, the governor was ambitious about weaning off them. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Russia prides itself on its digital advances — from an extensive e-commerce services sector to ambitious plans for developing artificial intelligence. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 And for many years, the country’s need for power didn’t seem to call for such a wildly ambitious project anyway. — Sara Herschander, Vox, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambitious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambitious
  1. aspiring
  2. aggressive
  3. adventurous
Adjective
  • The film touches on the difficulties of being an aspiring female politician today.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
  • At Osschaert, the audience was transported to a forest with leaves scattered on the ground and turf, entering a dream-like set that centered around a young, aspiring designer’s workshop.
    — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of aspiring
Adjective
  • Bam Adebayo wasn’t aggressive enough on the offensive side of the ball, which has been a consistent story line of his nine-year NBA career.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • On a network like this, rule-breaking often isn’t aggressive at all.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • The Original Series, Walter helped inspire audiences with his optimism, humor, and adventurous spirit.
    — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026
  • And for an actress whose adventurous filmography spans the Hollywood blockbuster Pacific Rim and the offbeat indie Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter, the role draws on more of her range than ever.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of adventurous

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ambitions
ambitious
ambitiousness
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Cite this Entry

“Ambitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambitious. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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