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 Here in his little 80-page grin-inducing edition published by Titan Books featuring those intimidating Klingons during their downtime, Spiotto lets his imagination run rampant in envisioning just what existence is like after the antagonism and combat plans are put away. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The resulting reactionary war on culture turned out to be much bigger than antagonism against punk. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 31 Aug. 2025 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 The transformation of the presidency began with the rise of conservatism, with its antagonism toward the liberal components of the administrative state and its newfound belief that a war against big government could succeed only through a presidency endowed with extraordinary powers. Terry M. Moe, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for antagonism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonism
Noun
  • Naroditsky’s untimely death has shined a spotlight on the dark underbelly of the game that fellow pros say brought undue hostility upon the chess star in his final months.
    Corey Williams, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Presidents have wide latitude to deploy the Guard, and protection of federal property is an obvious justification in this season of violent hostility to ICE.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her relationship with her family is fraught, and not just because of her liberal politics; religious animosity, personal grudges, and class resentment all play a part.
    Grace Byron, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Be wary of friends who act like their grudges are the only ones that matter in a relationship.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The endorsement comes as Cuomo has lobbed increasingly caustic attacks on Mamdani, equating his criticism of Israel with antisemitism and warning of a city beset by crime, hatred and disorder if his opponent wins.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn't been shy about his hatred of the rival NFL franchise.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antagonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonism. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonism

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