Synonym Chooser

How does the noun antagonism differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antagonism are animosity, animus, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," 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 is animosity a more appropriate choice than antagonism?

The words animosity and antagonism can be used in similar contexts, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

In what contexts can animus take the place of antagonism?

While the synonyms animus and antagonism are close in meaning, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

When could enmity be used to replace antagonism?

While in some cases nearly identical to antagonism, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

Where would hostility be a reasonable alternative to antagonism?

Although the words hostility and antagonism have much in common, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When would rancor be a good substitute for antagonism?

The meanings of rancor and antagonism largely overlap; however, 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 antagonism The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while. Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Mar. 2025 And even though there’s a bit of antagonism, actually, the banter is quite fun. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025 Back in the loft, the two bantered, with more amiability than antagonism. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025 The ranks of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Japan nearly tripled last year to 7 million, chipping away at decades of antagonism between the countries and helping make 2024 a banner year for tourism. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antagonism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonism
Noun
  • Even small shifts can build rapport and defuse hostility.
    Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Intentionally directing attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians who are not directly taking part in hostilities is considered a war crime under international law.
    Clarissa Ward, CNN, 18 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
  • Even if those two men didn’t make it out of Europe alive, the unspeakable acts carried out in the name of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich would still live on in infamy, reminding humanity what blind hatred and xenophobia could lead to if a society wasn’t careful.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Venerable baby boomer Kevin Bacon plays the titular bounty hunter Hub Halloran, a proud Georgia man with little tolerance for tomfoolery and a hatred of the Red Sox.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antagonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonism

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