ANTIPATHY Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

antipathy

noun

an-ˈti-pə-thē

Definition of antipathy next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will I feel no antipathy towards any of my opponents in the tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in enemy

something or someone that is hated cruelty to animals is one of my most deeply felt antipathies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Despite the industry’s antipathy for Joe Biden, U.S. oil output has climbed steadily during his presidency to a record 13 million bpd of oil and 125 bcfd of natural gas today. —

Christopher Helman, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 This level of antipathy toward American progressives is not uncommon among Chinese liberals, who, since 2016, have flocked toward Trump, in part to repudiate a Democratic Party whose emphasis on political correctness—real or imagined—reminds them of China’s past disasters in socialist governance. —

Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024 In 2018, Democrats took back the House in a wave largely fueled among their voters by antipathy for Trump. —

Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024 His antipathy to the establishment extended even to his own Democratic Party. —

David Jackson, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antipathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy

Noun

For example, shrinking the size and scope of government is a goal which could help the country, but reducing or trimming government programs for almost any constituency would be fraught with hostility and political costs.

— Frank Lavin, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
While the temporary pause in hostilities provides reprieve for the Gazan civilians, Hamas and their ideological allies are claiming the agreement as a victory.

— Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025