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 But then Trump’s more specific animus toward Harvard found a new outlet, with the Department of Homeland Security trying to take away the university’s ability to enroll international students and ordering those now at the school — some 27 percent of its student body — to transfer. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 30 May 2025 President Trump’s remarks this week affirming his intent to terminate $4 billion in federal grants to California’s bullet train project were immediately framed in some circles as one more sign of his animus toward the Golden State. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 Those conflicts could also spill over into India’s neighborhood, as the ideological animus against Muslims exacerbates tensions with both Bangladesh and Pakistan. Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 Israeli leaders are worried that a deal with Iran will not go far enough in disabling it from acting on its animus against Israel. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for animus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animus
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

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Animus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animus. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on animus

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!