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 shooting laid bare deep divisions in Slovak society, and animosity between the populist Fico and the opposition. Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 This animosity led to a feud with Owens and Owens' four kids. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 And more than anything, more than the animosity between the programs, more than the College Football Playoff impact, more than Notre Dame puffing its chest out as USC backed down, that familiarity was the real higher power at work. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 According to Vedam's supporters, though, there was no evidence of any animosity between the two men, nor any witnesses or physical evidence tying Vedam to the crime. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • In 2018 and 2019, the two exchanged fire in rounds of hostilities that would frequently end within 48 hours.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Trump will need to hope for hostilities to be short-lasting, or for these voters to be forgiving.
    Javier Corrales, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And going after firms because the Administration has a grudge against a specific lawyer who works there is unprecedented, and represents a crude weaponization of executive power.
    Fabio Bertoni, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The mix of private-property culture, individualism, and the country’s fragmented zoning laws creates ideal conditions for personal grudges to solidify into real estate.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My darling, hatred takes the beauty away.
    Tracee Ellis Ross, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Muschietti touched on this in his movies — the bullying of Mike Hanlon and the hate-crime murder of Adrian Mellon — including the way Pennywise fosters and foments the hatred already lurking in the hearts of Derry’s citizens.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For the next 10 to 48 hours, the paste is gently stirred over very low heat, a step that cooks away any excess bitterness, acidity, and liquid.
    Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
  • This brightness is anchored by the deep earthy bitterness of the Cynar, the Japanese Whiskey offers a soft grain finish, and the salt keeps the whole project from becoming too bitter.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

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