Definition of AMBIVALENCE (original) (raw)
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.
The same sort of ambivalence goes for the relationship between Lars Norén and Isa Stenberg. —
Annika Pham, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 Among some Democrats, there was a certain ambivalence about Mr. Trump’s second inauguration. —Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 At the heart of this Darwinian joke, Williams experiences deep ambivalence. —Armond White, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025 And Trump’s own ambivalence illustrates the growing problem. —Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 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
Dictionary Entries Near ambivalence
Cite this Entry
“Ambivalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambivalence. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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