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 Fanning the flames of the drama was the mutual antipathy between the couples. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026 Both Erica and the Gorn overcame their antipathy. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy

Noun

Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Compassion doesn’t mean that presidents or other public officials should bow to enemies or surrender common sense in tackling the world’s harsh realities.

— Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
And despite huge military spending, Saudi forces have struggled to deter their enemies.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

El-Sayed and Piker have professed their abhorrence of anti-Semitism.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 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

The rioters waved the Confederate flag, a clear symbol of racist hatred.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
At least one person was killed and four people were injured in a shooting near Paris that may have been motivated by Islamophobic hatred, French officials say.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hatred

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 salmoriglio, a Calabrian condiment with garlic and herbs similar to chimichurri, features dandelion greens, their bitterness a counter to some of the sweetness.

— Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
The amateur is freed from the pressures of exhibition and sale, but that might just as easily breed bitterness as happiness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitterness

Browse Nearby Words

antipathies

antipathy

antiphonal

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“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of antipathy

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