Definition of animusnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun animus differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of animus are animosity, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

When is animosity a more appropriate choice than animus?

The synonyms animosity and animus are sometimes interchangeable, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

How do antipathy and antagonism relate to one another, in the sense of animus?

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 would enmity be a good substitute for animus?

The words enmity and animus can be used in similar contexts, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When might hostility be a better fit than animus?

While in some cases nearly identical to animus, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When is it sensible to use rancor instead of animus?

While the synonyms rancor and animus are close in meaning, 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 animus Conflicting ideologies and worldviews have created an unbridgeable gulf of mistrust and animus. Kevin Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 The panel also rejected Reyes’s finding that the policy was rooted in animus toward transgender people. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 Dec. 2025 The defense stunk, the presnap penalties were an epidemic, and the booing and animus against quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was simmering to a loud boil. Miami Herald, 7 Dec. 2025 Her lawyers have argued that her prosecution is improperly vindictive and motivated by the president’s personal animus. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animus
Noun
  • Stuart said the measure reflects a sobering escalation in political hostility and violence.
    Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • In his second term, their defining emotions are hostility and happiness.
    Christine Zhang, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some can hold grudges for years.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Keane used Gary Neville’s Overlap as his platform to take vengeance on a 12-year grudge with Carrick’s wife over his previous criticism as a pundit.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Global leaders reflected on rising antisemitism and the need for unity to combat hatred and war, drawing parallels to defeating Nazism in 1945.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The annual global event remembers the 6 million Jewish victims and millions of other victims and the commitment to stand against hatred and intolerance.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Animus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animus. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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