Synonyms of animosity

animosity

noun

ˌa-nə-ˈmä-sə-tē 

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will

his open animosity towards us made our meeting very uncomfortable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hostility
• grudge
• hatred
• bitterness
• enmity
• antagonism
• tension
• feud
• rancor
• antipathy
• animus
• friction
• malice
• jaundice
• bad blood
• gall
• discord
• vindictiveness
• vendetta
• alienation
• hate
• loathing
• disaffection
• conflict
• virulence
• blood feud
• vitriol
• estrangement
• score
• spite
• unfriendliness
• malignity
• venom
• coolness
• malignancy
• spitefulness
• strain
• inhospitableness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amity
• friendliness
• cordiality
• hospitality
• friendship
• sympathy
• civility
• neighborliness
• amiability
• understanding
• empathy
• goodwill
• comity
• amicability

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of animosity

Racial animosities date to the era of the Arabian slave trade. —Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans’ massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Trump but assailed by Musk. —Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

Officials are also looking into a motive, including animosity between people at the party, Turk said. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 1 June 2025

Their animosity reaches a boiling point until Walter confronts Reed, triggering an unexpected deeper connection — Walter starts to believe Reed is innocent. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 29 May 2025