Synonym Chooser

How does the noun antipathy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antipathy are animosity, animus, antagonism, 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 could animosity be used to replace antipathy?

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

animosity that led to revenge

When is animus a more appropriate choice than antipathy?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

When would enmity be a good substitute for antipathy?

Although the words enmity and antipathy have much in common, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When is it sensible to use hostility instead of antipathy?

The meanings of hostility and antipathy largely overlap; however, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

In what contexts can rancor take the place of antipathy?

While in some cases nearly identical to antipathy, 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 antipathy What happens when such legal requirements at the state and local level meet the Trump Administration’s deep antipathy and use of federal policy to fight against DEI, especially where it is mandated by law? Richard McGahey, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 But the context was eerily similar: a palpable antipathy towards the owners manifesting itself in scathing banners inside the Stadio Olimpico on matchdays and outside the team’s Trigoria training complex. James Horncastle, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 The public response to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson late last year has revealed deep antipathy toward the health care industry. Caitlin Owens, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025 Many have also long felt a low-level antipathy toward the U.S., held back for decades by fear and the desire to be good neighbors. Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy
Noun
  • Stolarz’s inclination to shout instructions at teammates on the ice, often with serious levels of hostility in the name of competition, comes to him naturally.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Datta writes that Indians had faced violent treatment at the hands of Japanese forces, even if the Chinese community bore the brunt of the Japanese hostility.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The character went from being Emily’s friend to becoming her enemy as the two wrestled in a love triangle with Gabriel.
    Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • And what assurance shall there be that the Executive will not train its broad discretionary powers upon its political enemies?
    TIME Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • An armed man accused of walking into a Walgreens location in California and shooting an employee to death this week allegedly had a grudge against corporate pharmacies, police said.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Theater owners gathered inside the Colosseum Theater at Caesar’s Palace on Monday didn’t seem to hold any grudges, and gave a warm welcome to the exec.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The reactions from right-of-center publications divide into roughly four camps, aligning on a spectrum ranging from vocal approval to outright abhorrence.
    Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
  • Tolin doesn’t candy coat the animosity, helping children to understand how artists and Others continue to be misunderstood and how that lack of appreciation fuels abhorrence.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That ecstatic communal experience is a glorious moment of freedom for oppressed people, most of them living hand-to-mouth in an environment of hatred and exploitation.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Between the lines: Many undecideds are painfully trying to balance their sense of obligation with their detestation for Trump, as USA Today first detailed on Thursday.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024
  • One of the most memorable chapters epitomizes her detestation for the ultra-wealthy and pompous intellectuals who rushed to rationalize her work.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 20 Jan. 2024
Noun
  • According to research, the fear of flying is one of the most prevalent phobias in the world.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The research could help scientists better understand how to help people with anxiety, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Durant suggested his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign with the Golden State Warriors in 2016 started the hate campaign against him.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • When anti-Asian hate was on the rise during the COVID pandemic, signs popped up around the city reading #StopAsianHate.
    Sara Colb, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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