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 It’s supposed to be a kind of throughline about this general animosity, toward a cycle of revenge. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 The animosity will be on full display this week at the current version of Yankee Stadium as the two teams meet in a best-of-three AL Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday night. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025 What Brandy and Monica gave instead of animosity was longevity. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 His appetites and his animosities only deepen. David Remnick, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • That would basically say that he wouldn't have been prosecuted if not for the president's hostility toward him.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Two-thirds of Israelis want an end to the war in Gaza—an increase of 13 percentage points from a year ago—according to a poll that found the fate of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the main reason for a desire for hostilities to end.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Franklin police homed in on Overstreet as the suspect in Eckart's murder, while Columbus detectives investigating Myers' death focused on Hubbell, her co-worker who allegedly held a grudge against her over health insurance issues.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That’s a long grudge that Ben holds.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Historically, political movements die when they become subsumed by paranoid Jew-hatred.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t quite like other rivalries, such as the Iron Bowl or Georgia-Georgia Tech, where coaches motivate their players by talking up their hatred of the other team.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps the bitterness refers to the alimony check?
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Phillies have tasted enough bitterness in previous Octobers to know that.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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