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 At a news conference recently, Powell, the Fed chief, acknowledged public antipathy about lingering inflation and its potential influence at the polls. —

Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024 Trump's antipathy toward Iran has grown, with accusations of Iranian interference in his campaign and fears of retaliation. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Although many countries share Washington’s antipathy to China’s policies, practices, and conduct, no country is emulating Washington’s playbook for addressing these concerns. —

Henry M. Paulson Jr., Foreign Affairs, 26 Jan. 2023 Less frequently observed, at least in my anecdotal observations, are would-be Kamala Harris voters requiring that extra push—largely because their antipathy to Trump is already such a decisive motivational driver. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antipathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy

Noun

In January, the World Bank and Ipsos, a market research firm, estimated that nearly 60% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure had been damaged or destroyed by hostilities.

Sophie Tanno, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Soon afterward, the U.S. said the system would not be deployed to Ukraine, with deputy Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh telling reporters that the war between Russia and Ukraine differed to hostilities in the Middle East.

Michael D. Carroll AND Brendan Cole, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024