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

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will I feel no antipathy towards any of my opponents in the tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 antipathy The results suggest that the far-right antipathy to Shreve is a genuine threat when successfully mobilized. — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 4 May 2026 The difference is Netflix had, at best, an antipathy towards the theatrical experience. — Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026 Faced with widespread antipathy, those mainstream forces have been hammered by the electorate, with voters increasingly turning to the Greens and Reform, as well as Plaid and the SNP in Wales and Scotland. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 8 May 2026 Alexander Kazakov | Afp | Getty Images That Russia and China are seen as ideologically aligned on many geopolitical issues, with each sharing a traditional antipathy and distrust towards the West, and Washington. — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for antipathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy

Noun

The Art, Not Science, of Leadership Ultimately, the hostility toward dual-class shares reflects a broader cultural shift in how many good governance advocates view corporate leadership.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Because that opposition is motivated in part by hostility to artificial intelligence.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 6 July 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

Noun

But your abhorrence of the outcomes of particular elections doesn’t justify your saying, Well, the hell with that.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.

— Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025

Definition of abhorrence

Noun

How Nelson is reformulated from one who feels desire to one who feels detestation (as well as shame for having desired) is the remarkable achievement of both the story and the storyteller and the system that requires it.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Feb. 2026
One of the most memorable chapters epitomizes her detestation for the ultra-wealthy and pompous intellectuals who rushed to rationalize her work.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 20 Jan. 2024

Definition of detestation

Noun

The book beautifully captures the delicate line between love and hate, between victimhood and complicity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Unfortunately, this can lead to some individuals lashing out in response to their own insecurities, hate and low bar of aptitude, which is confirmed by the tenor of the attacks.

— Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of hate

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antipathies

antipathy

antiphonal

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“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of antipathy

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