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 animosity between the men dates back to 2022, when Textor became majority shareholder of Lyon and immediately placed PSG — backed by Qatari state money, domestically dominant — in his crosshairs. Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Even after the mandates ended and the border reopened, the animosity didn’t ebb. Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025 While the actual Mafia was rife with violence, animosity and bloodshed, Pileggi and Levinson's adaptation was humorous and, at times, empathetic toward the reality of being an aging criminal. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Months of retaliations and animosity followed, including Trump repeatedly suggesting that Canada become the 51st state. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
Noun
  • Advertisement Yet Indo-Pak relations haven’t always been defined by hostility alone.
    Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025
  • In addition, citizenship can be revoked if an individual commits certain actions, including treason, serving in a foreign military engaged in hostilities against the U.S., or renouncing citizenship.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The viral clip perfectly captures the familiar, comedic drama of pet rivalry, proving once again that internet users can't get enough of the secret lives—and grudges—of our four-legged friends.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Or maybe someone carried a grudge about a business deal or something completely unrelated to any of the many hats Roy wore.
    Dateline NBC, NBC news, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a great tradition in sports of being driven by a fear, or a hatred, of that feeling.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • She’s been feeling so much hatred, so much anger, so much sadness, so much disappointment these last few episodes.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animosity

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