Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hostility differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hostility are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would animosity be a reasonable alternative to hostility?

The words animosity and hostility are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When might animus be a better fit than hostility?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

How do antipathy and antagonism relate to one another, in the sense of hostility?

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 can enmity be used instead of hostility?

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

an unspoken enmity

When is rancor a more appropriate choice than hostility?

The synonyms rancor and hostility are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 hostility Still, the hostility toward large nonfinancial companies is a harmful restriction on competition, one that fails to create a neutral regulatory environment or create a level playing field for issuers. Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Since then, the poster has noticed a shift in Liz’s attitude, sometimes even bordering on hostility. Ashley Vega, People.com, 2 June 2025 Magnifying the loss is the government’s hostility to foreigners, especially Chinese. David G. Victor, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2025 Reflecting back on that episode, and the way that anti-trans sentiment has only continued to build in American culture since then, Furman said she’s been thinking about the roots of the hostility against people like her. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hostility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostility
Noun
  • There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Global market sentiment is becoming more skittish over the conflict between Iran and Israel and the possibility of further U.S. involvement.
    Ganesh Rao,Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 19 June 2025
  • China's energy supply from the Middle East could face severe disruptions as the Israel-Iran conflict threatens to spill over into a wider regional war.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Author James Frey still has a grudge against Oprah Winfrey, nearly 15 years after the host confronted him for lying in his memoir on national TV.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 June 2025
  • Yet the company rolled him straight from the WrestleMania stage into Backlash and a main-event grudge with 45-year-old Randy Orton, the only rival old enough to remember chain-wrestling him in the Ohio Valley.
    Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • After Hamas conducted a surprise attack against Israel in October 2023, the group was backed in the ensuing war with Israel by Iran and its Axis of Resistance coalition of non-state actors in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Over the last two months, Trump has said repeatedly that various answers to questions about the war, including U.S. assistance to Ukraine, would be just two weeks away.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans’ massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Trump but assailed by Musk.
    Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • Officials are also looking into a motive, including animosity between people at the party, Turk said.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The growing antagonism towards tourists is in the face of still-growing travel––the World Travel & Tourism Council projected that this year 142 countries out of 185 will set records, especially to Europe, spending $11.1 trillion and accounting for 330 million jobs.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Know More The flood of accusations and pointed fingers underscores the long-running antagonism between the companies, which offer similar services and compete for customers.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Yet despite their history of enmity, Tehran and Washington have shown consistent, mutual interest in a deal since Trump’s return to the White House.
    Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
  • Enrichment remains key in negotiations The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on half a century of enmity.
    Giada Zampano, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Their tension was broadcast for the world to see via a live stream on Sunday (June 8) near the Bellagio Fountains.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hostility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostility. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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