Synonym Chooser

How does the noun animosity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of animosity are animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When can animus be used instead of animosity?

In some situations, the words animus and animosity are roughly equivalent. However, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

How are the words antipathy and antagonism related as synonyms of animosity?

Both antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility.

a natural antipathy for self-seekers
antagonism between the brothers

When might enmity be a better fit than animosity?

The synonyms enmity and animosity are sometimes interchangeable, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can hostility take the place of animosity?

The words hostility and animosity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When is it sensible to use rancor instead of animosity?

The words rancor and animosity can be used in similar contexts, but rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

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 animosity Consider this, too: If a demagogue can whip up animosity toward even a liberal democracy such as Canada, what can’t a demagogue do? Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Mar. 2025 The post seemed less like a genuine bit of casting gossip than a not-so-blind item meant to stoke culture war animosity against a frequent right-wing target. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 Each and every encounter between the beefy bros will only up the animosity, leading to multiple actual slugfests. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 Feb. 2025 The Rays have failed to find common ground with four St. Pete mayors and two Tampa mayors in the past 20 years and have left a trail of animosity in their wake. John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • America’s first Black female doctor also faced open hostility from the white medical establishment.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Despite frequent instances of both sides accusing one another of violating the truce, the elusive breakthrough led to the longest cessation of hostilities since the war began, as well as the release of 33 Israelis from Hamas captivity and nearly 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has held a public, longstanding grudge against VOA, Politico noted.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • When Mia came onto the franchise, her ability to let insults roll off her back was an asset; a cast that holds grudges is the nail in the coffin for any franchise.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • What’s been really interesting to me about the Blake situation is how much of the hatred against her is coming from women.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Thanks to his efforts to take a chain saw to the federal government through DOGE, Elon Musk has attracted a level of ire from left-wing activists that now rivals their level of hatred for President Trump.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

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