rancor

noun

ran·​cor ˈraŋ-kər 

-ˌkȯr

: bitter deep-seated ill will

Synonyms of rancor

• hostility
• grudge
• bitterness
• hatred

Choose the Right Synonym for rancor

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

Examples of rancor in a Sentence

She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor.

In the end, the debate created a degree of rancor among the committee members.

Recent Examples on the Web

The two no longer spar on air, so expect mirth rather than rancor at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026

That was not a surprise, given the open rancor between House and Senate leaders left over from last year’s session, which, despite the GOP’s control of both chambers, also failed to produce a budget on time and went an extra 45 days. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

As DuPage County Board chairman, Franzen worked to end long-standing rancor on the board while also reducing county residents’ property taxes. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

And with so much murder and mayhem in our contemporary history, many Iranians treat one another with suspicion and rancor. —Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rancour, from Anglo-French rancur, from Late Latin rancor rancidity, rancor, from Latin rancēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rancor

• anchor
• anker
• banker
• canker
• hanker
• shanker
• tanker

Kids Definition

rancor

noun

ran·​cor ˈraŋ-kər 

: deep hatred

rancorous

-k(ə-)rəs

adjective

rancorously adverb