Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rancor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rancor are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and hostility. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

When is it sensible to use animosity instead of rancor?

While the synonyms animosity and rancor are close in meaning, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

Where would animus be a reasonable alternative to rancor?

Although the words animus and rancor have much in common, 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 rancor?

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 enmity a more appropriate choice than rancor?

While in some cases nearly identical to rancor, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When might hostility be a better fit than rancor?

The words hostility and rancor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

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 rancor Nobody in attendance had any idea there was backstage rancor. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025 There has been rancor over the years; Gorman published a revealing memoir, Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of the Black Crowes, in 2019 and subsequently sued the Robinsons for unpaid royalties, in a case that was settled during 2022. Gary Graff, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025 The lack of grandiose rancor between Trump and the Democrats may also be manifesting within the party itself. Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Another, equally important, is to try to unify the country as far as possible after the rancor of a divisive election campaign. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rancor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor
Noun
  • Intentionally directing attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians who are not directly taking part in hostilities is considered a war crime under international law.
    Clarissa Ward, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Even small shifts can build rapport and defuse hostility.
    Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has held a public, longstanding grudge against VOA, Politico noted.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • When Mia came onto the franchise, her ability to let insults roll off her back was an asset; a cast that holds grudges is the nail in the coffin for any franchise.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • What’s been really interesting to me about the Blake situation is how much of the hatred against her is coming from women.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Parents today must understand that hatred, bigotry and violence aren’t just things that children can learn directly from their upbringing.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Rancor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancor. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rancor

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