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

Thursday’s attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, reflects more than two years of building animosity in this country and worldwide toward Israel, and by extension, the Jewish people. —Nolan Finley, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

Lurking in the forest is Jerry (David Wilmot), a vagabond living in his van, whose animosity with Fergal (Michael Patric), the inn owner’s prickly adult son, will play a role in how the days ahead will go haywire. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026

The lingering animosity, in his view, hamstrung budget talks and the passage of the Legislature’s most consequential proposals. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026

Witnesses told police that there had been a build-up of animosity between the two men in the months leading up to the shooting. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026