Definition of ANTIPATHY

Choose the Right Synonym for antipathy

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. an unspoken enmity hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. hostility between the two nations 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 animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. animosity that led to revenge rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. rancor filled every line of his letters animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. objections devoid of personal animus

Did You Know?

When the nation of Yugoslavia was created in 1945, it combined a number of ethnic groups with a history of violent antipathy toward each other. In 1991–92 four regions of the country announced that they would become independent nations; a bloody six-year war followed, fueled by these ancient and powerful antipathies. The American Civil War similarly resulted from antipathy between the North and the South. But in the U.S.'s relations with its next-door neighbors, it's been a long time since emotions have gotten much stronger than annoyance.

Examples of antipathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For some people, the antipathy is explicitly racial. — New York Times, "In U.S. and Europe, Migration Conflict Points to Deeper Political Problems," 29 June 2018 What, then, accounts for the antipathy towards gentrification? — The Economist, "In praise of gentrification," 21 June 2018 Utley earned the antipathy of Mets fans during a storied career with the Phillies. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers plan to activate Chase Utley to face New York Mets on Friday," 20 June 2018 The president's statements didn't come up during the trial, though his antipathy loomed in the background. — Marcy Gordon, chicagotribune.com, "Justice Department appealing judge's OK of AT&T-Time Warner merger," 12 July 2018 In a sport hailed for its uncertainty, these two teams, and their antipathy toward each other, were a constant for the better part of a decade. — Alex Putterman, The Atlantic, "The Yankees–Red Sox Rivalry Is Back in Full Force," 28 June 2018 In fact, the widespread, outspoken reactionary antipathy of Hollywood bigs, establishment elites and those who still can’t accept the 2016 results actually helps Trump. — Andrew Malcolm, SFChronicle.com, "Is Donald Trump chief executive or executive producer?," 28 June 2018 The antipathy between Trump and segments of the British public started during the 2016 presidential campaign, when Trump called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. — Washington Post, "Trump will get red carpet treatment in UK — and big protests," 11 July 2018 The antipathy between Trump and segments of the British public started during the 2016 presidential campaign, when Trump called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. — BostonGlobe.com, "President Trump will get red carpet treatment in UK — and big protests," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antipathy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.