Synonyms for

Ambition

Verb / æˈmbɪʃʌn / Another word for ambition — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • burning ambition
  • great ambition
  • career ambition
  • political ambition
  • achieve ambition
  • fulfill ambition
  • nurture ambition
  • crushing ambition

Word family

adjective ambitious

Usage note

Ambition can have both positive connotations (drive, aspiration) and negative ones (ruthlessness, excessive desire). It is often used to describe a strong desire for success, power, or wealth.

Example sentences

  1. His ambition is to be an astronaut.
  2. She has a strong ambition to become a successful businesswoman.
  3. Without ambition, one cannot achieve greatness.
  4. He worked hard and pursued his ambition to become a professional athlete.
  5. Her ambition to travel the world inspired her to work hard and save money.

Quotes

  • Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.
  • Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.
  • Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.

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