ENMITY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'enmity' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enmity are animosity , animus , antagonism , antipathy , hostility , and rancor . While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. // an unspoken enmity

Q: In what contexts can 'animosity' take the place of 'enmity'?

The meanings of animosity and enmity largely overlap; however, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. // animosity that led to revenge

Q: When is it sensible to use 'animus' instead of 'enmity'?

While in some cases nearly identical to enmity , animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. // objections devoid of personal animus

Q: How are the words 'antipathy' and 'antagonism' related as synonyms of 'enmity'?

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

Q: When is 'hostility' a more appropriate choice than 'enmity'?

While the synonyms hostility and enmity are close in meaning, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. // hostility between the two nations

Q: Where would 'rancor' be a reasonable alternative to 'enmity'?

The words rancor and enmity can be used in similar contexts, but rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. // rancor filled every line of his letters

enmity

noun

ˈen-mə-tē

Definition of enmity next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will enmity had existed between the two families for generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enmity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enmity are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can animosity take the place of enmity?

The meanings of animosity and enmity largely overlap; however, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When is it sensible to use animus instead of enmity?

While in some cases nearly identical to enmity, 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 enmity?

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 is hostility a more appropriate choice than enmity?

While the synonyms hostility and enmity are close in meaning, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would rancor be a reasonable alternative to enmity?

The words rancor and enmity can be used in similar contexts, but 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 enmity To say Raffensperger has been a constant in Trump’s craw would be to understate the ex-President’s enmity toward him. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 López Obrador suggested during a press conference Thursday that Washington helped stir up enmity between factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel after arresting two cartel leaders in the US. —

Michael Rios, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024 Perhaps whispers are more important in a kingdom where everyone is already shouting their enmity. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024 Han’s outspoken criticism of Singapore’s system of executions has won her the personal enmity of Shanmugam, the Home Affairs minister. —

Rebecca Wright, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enmity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity

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