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 Jason Isaacs is setting the record straight about any animosity on The White Lotus. Esther Kang, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The victory, however, led to a lifelong animosity between the winners. Discover Magazine, 3 May 2025 Biden-era initiatives failed to match the developmental advantages of Chinese assistance due to the American government's inability to compel investment as part of any political arrangement, and didn’t address the myriad historical animosities between the United States and Latin America. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The dispute has spurred bitter animosity and military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Fayaz Bukhari, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • Ultimately, restrictions on vacant CPS property sales are part of a broader problem, and that’s education officials’ open hostility toward alternative education models.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Then a decade of talks crashed into President Trump’s hostility toward Canada.
    Karen Weise, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The daughter of the trickster god Anansi, Abena spent her entire life terrified that her dad would lose her in a bet, and still bears a grudge that the Doctor couldn't take her away.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 May 2025
  • Football folk have memories that would impress elephants and a mafioso’s capacity for holding grudges.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The project educates students about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and the importance of standing against all forms of prejudice.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Republicans such as our current president spew contempt like volcanoes of hatred, prejudice and madness.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!