as in opportunistic
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 overambitious
Pursuing a double major—especially in two demanding or loosely connected fields—can, in some circumstances, come across as idealistic, unfocused, or overambitious.
—
Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the automaker's current lineup and product strategy feels both tired and overambitious.
—Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 22 Dec. 2025
And, in an overambitious initial public offering early this year, the company sought a market valuation approaching $110 billion—double that of Cheniere—while riding the pro-fossil fuel, Trump inauguration wave—only for its market cap to plunge to a low of $17 billion in early April.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
But the Spaniard’s absence was just one part of a perfect storm, with a lack of athleticism in his replacements — and an overambitious pressing structure — only amplifying City’s lack of control after losing the ball.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Taylor Pyke’s great expectations for her Mundelein softball career weren’t overambitious.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Whether a technological triumph or an overambitious experiment, there’s no denying that the Zumwalt-class is a warship like no other.
—Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2025
Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, the automaker's current lineup and product strategy feels both tired and overambitious.
—Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 22 Dec. 2025
And, in an overambitious initial public offering early this year, the company sought a market valuation approaching $110 billion—double that of Cheniere—while riding the pro-fossil fuel, Trump inauguration wave—only for its market cap to plunge to a low of $17 billion in early April.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
But the Spaniard’s absence was just one part of a perfect storm, with a lack of athleticism in his replacements — and an overambitious pressing structure — only amplifying City’s lack of control after losing the ball.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Taylor Pyke’s great expectations for her Mundelein softball career weren’t overambitious.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Whether a technological triumph or an overambitious experiment, there’s no denying that the Zumwalt-class is a warship like no other.
—Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overambitious
Adjective
-
This evolution isn’t accidental or opportunistic.—
Andrea Domanick,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Their diet reflects the opportunistic feeding behavior monitor keepers know well.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Drenched in designer labels and working at the house of Christian Dior, Blunt’s Emily has become the pretentious partner of a billionaire tech mogul played by Justin Theroux, sources said.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Miss Manners is exasperated when people consider etiquette pretentious for supplying the necessary tools to get food to mouth.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Chess can seem abstruse and forbidding to the uninitiated, but Himelfarb’s account of it is as readable and comprehensible as any more familiar sports story—or, for that matter, any narrative in which a bunch of ambitious people pursue a single goal.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Completely round and full, the full moon will be in the ambitious, mysterious sign of Scorpio.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Gregory Bovino, the controversial head of aggressive enforcement activities in Chicago and Minneapolis, resigned from the agency.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
That approach, paired with more outreach to Black residents, may help increase the city’s affordable housing stock and close the gap in Black homeownership, though some city council members have urged a more aggressive push on affordable housing.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The pop of gloves and laughter of children rang through the field for a while — until a few industrious boys and girls got their manos on bolígrafos.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The social media content that comes out of the sprawling music festival screams spontaneity, but industrious planning is often buzzing behind the scenes weeks, or sometimes even months, in advance.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
My dad was never pushy about this at all.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Emma and Charlie are dizzied by the wedding industrial complex, with its parade of chirpy, pushy florists and photographers and dance coaches who behave like their corner of the upcoming party is the centerpiece of the night.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These trees need proper attention to grow to their full potential—pruning is essential, as is being diligent against pests.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Defenseman Jacob Moverare was highlighted with the Daryl Evans Youth Hockey Service Award for his diligent and enthusiastic work with the Kings’ learn-to-play program.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Known for his assertive leadership and anti-corruption stance, Annamalai has garnered popularity in Tamil Nadu, especially among younger voters.—
Andrew Pereira,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Sharper and more assertive, Pecorino adds a peppery quality.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overambitious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overambitious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
