ANIMOSITIES Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of animosity are animus , antagonism , antipathy , enmity , hostility , and rancor . While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. // animosity that led to revenge

Q: When can 'animus' be used instead of 'animosity'?

In some situations, the words animus and animosity are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'animosity'?

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 might 'enmity' be a better fit than 'animosity'?

The synonyms enmity and animosity are sometimes interchangeable, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. // an unspoken enmity

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

The words hostility and animosity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. // hostility between the two nations

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rancor' instead of 'animosity'?

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

animosity

noun

ˌa-nə-ˈmä-sə-tē

Definition of animosity

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will his open animosity towards us made our meeting very uncomfortable

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How does the noun animosity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of animosity are animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When can animus be used instead of animosity?

In some situations, the words animus and animosity are roughly equivalent. However, 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 animosity?

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 might enmity be a better fit than animosity?

The synonyms enmity and animosity are sometimes interchangeable, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can hostility take the place of animosity?

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

hostility between the two nations

When is it sensible to use rancor instead of animosity?

The words rancor and animosity can be used in similar contexts, 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 animosity And just like us, the issues that divided them had swirled for well over a decade, driving animosity over the power of government, the meaning of liberty, and the rights of citizens. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 Though that backlash came shortly after the animosity directed at AI during the 2023 writers and actors strikes, the powers that be at A24 surely must have known this could be a possibility again. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians. — Ava Berger, NPR, 19 June 2026 Others warned that Emmer’s comments and the growing animosity towards Somali- and Muslim-American communities marked a regression to a more bigoted era in the United States. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for animosity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity

Noun

Engelbert has consistently mismanaged the overt physical hostility directed at the league's biggest star.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Today, however, some experts suggest that explicit displays of racial hostility have become more visible in public spaces.

— Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.

— Eleanor Nash July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Within the first 10 minutes of the match on Monday, which was also the anniversary of that game, the Mexican fans reminded the world of their 12-year grudge against the Oranje.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026

Definition of grudge

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“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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