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

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 animosity The fact that any remaining mutual admiration is fueled by mutual animosity is thus introduced right up front, and the movie wastes zero time setting out the rules of engagement for what will soon become take-no-prisoners warfare between the Roses. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2025 And finding a way past some of the animosity with her adult kids will help everyone. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 There was real animosity there. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025 And over the years, there’s been so much animosity and lawsuits, just negative stuff. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • After decades of entrenched hostility, there are early, though admittedly fragile, signals that both Lebanon and Syria may be reconsidering their approach to Israel.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The war ended with a lopsided Israeli victory, and with Iran scrambling to find more ways to punish and deter Israel if hostilities resumed.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With a few exceptions, this cast is rife with petty grudges and trivial scandals that make for perfect competition-show fodder.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Trump is harboring an obvious political grudge against Bolton, one that started with revoking his security clearance and Secret Service detail immediately after taking office (even though credible threats against Bolton's life have been publicly reported).
    Isaac Saul, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rivalries that are long in tenure and thick with hatred define college sports in the Deep South, where football is second only to faith in some places.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Examples abound of men with histories of misogyny – often expressed online – who go on to commit violent crimes in the name of their hatred.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The white negroni gets its pleasant bitterness from gin infused with pine nuts.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The water cleanses the palate, while the lokum balances the drink’s bitterness.
    Ali Halit Diker, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

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