Synonym Chooser

How does the noun antagonism differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antagonism are animosity, animus, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," 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 is animosity a more appropriate choice than antagonism?

The words animosity and antagonism can be used in similar contexts, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

In what contexts can animus take the place of antagonism?

While the synonyms animus and antagonism are close in meaning, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

When could enmity be used to replace antagonism?

While in some cases nearly identical to antagonism, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

Where would hostility be a reasonable alternative to antagonism?

Although the words hostility and antagonism have much in common, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When would rancor be a good substitute for antagonism?

The meanings of rancor and antagonism largely overlap; however, 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 antagonism The suit is part of a history of antagonism between Gillett and the industry over adverse decisions that the utilities argue are based on misapplication of regulatory law. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025 Such anti-social behavior, such as not being fully dressed on the streets of Spanish or French towns, particularly in high tourist season, can only fuel the antagonism felt by locals towards the multitude of tourists who arrive in Europe every summer. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Instead, and contrary to China’s wishes, the war has further entrenched great-power antagonisms among China, Russia, the United States, and Europe. Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2025 Fulton herself pushed for Lisa’s antagonism, which contributed to the show’s longevity and popularity, as well as the character’s enduring appeal. Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for antagonism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonism
Noun
  • After decades of entrenched hostility, there are early, though admittedly fragile, signals that both Lebanon and Syria may be reconsidering their approach to Israel.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The war ended with a lopsided Israeli victory, and with Iran scrambling to find more ways to punish and deter Israel if hostilities resumed.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With a few exceptions, this cast is rife with petty grudges and trivial scandals that make for perfect competition-show fodder.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Trump is harboring an obvious political grudge against Bolton, one that started with revoking his security clearance and Secret Service detail immediately after taking office (even though credible threats against Bolton's life have been publicly reported).
    Isaac Saul, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rivalries that are long in tenure and thick with hatred define college sports in the Deep South, where football is second only to faith in some places.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Examples abound of men with histories of misogyny – often expressed online – who go on to commit violent crimes in the name of their hatred.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antagonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonism. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonism

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!