ambivalent

[am-biv-uh-luhnt] / æmˈbɪv ə lənt /

ADJECTIVE

conflicting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contradictory doubtful equivocal hesitant mixed uncertain undecided unsure

WEAK

clashing debatable fluctuating inconclusive irresolute opposed unresolved vacillating warring wavering

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain clear decided definite determined secure settled sure undoubted unquestionable

WEAK

resolved unequivocal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Spain has long been one of Europe’s more ambivalent countries when it comes to American power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

North Carolina resident Shelley Hughes was more ambivalent.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

There was an ambivalent, if not stone cold, attitude towards the beefy Californian.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

And yet Americans remain ambivalent about the growing risk of floods.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2025

While I gloried in the beauty of these buildings, I was ambivalent about what they represented.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela