Synonym Chooser

How does the noun antipathy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antipathy are animosity, animus, antagonism, 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 could animosity be used to replace antipathy?

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

animosity that led to revenge

When is animus a more appropriate choice than antipathy?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

When would enmity be a good substitute for antipathy?

Although the words enmity and antipathy have much in common, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When is it sensible to use hostility instead of antipathy?

The meanings of hostility and antipathy largely overlap; however, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

In what contexts can rancor take the place of antipathy?

While in some cases nearly identical to antipathy, 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 antipathy Notably the administration has been silent on its intentions towards China, which strikes me as odd given that many members of the administration are united in their antipathy towards America’s geostrategic rivalry (Marco Rubio for example published ‘The World China Made’). Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Philly Republicans appear unlikely to field any candidates despite recent GOP gains and the party's antipathy toward Democratic incumbent Larry Krasner. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 Such a change has already run aground with fiscal hawks in the House, who share the Senate antipathy toward congressional scorekeepers but are unwilling to completely disregard their rules. Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 What happens when such legal requirements at the state and local level meet the Trump Administration’s deep antipathy and use of federal policy to fight against DEI, especially where it is mandated by law? Richard McGahey, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy
Noun
  • Questions were raised over Putin’s motives in calling the brief halt to hostilities, which came just after the Trump administration threatened to abandon peace efforts without tangible signs of progress.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
  • When expectant fathers face hostility or subtle exclusion at work, the consequences can extend beyond their own careers.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Volunteer historians and re-enactors will share living history of a small portion of Napoleon’s French Grande Army and the empire’s enemies, Britain, Austria, Prussia and their allies, on campaign in Spain.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • Dog Man must then foil the evil plans of his enemy, Petey, an orange cat (voiced by Pete Davidson), who clones himself in an effort to create a criminal sidekick but ends up with a curious kitten, Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) instead.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The choice is his to make — whether to celebrate his grandson’s milestone or continue to feed his grudge.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Crispin holds a grudge against Jack’s family, and his meddling with the theater name reveals a lot about Jack’s upbringing.
    Oliver Sava, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The reactions from right-of-center publications divide into roughly four camps, aligning on a spectrum ranging from vocal approval to outright abhorrence.
    Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
  • Tolin doesn’t candy coat the animosity, helping children to understand how artists and Others continue to be misunderstood and how that lack of appreciation fuels abhorrence.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • While highlighting the vicious cycle of ethnic hatred, Gavin strives for impartiality.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Between the lines: Many undecideds are painfully trying to balance their sense of obligation with their detestation for Trump, as USA Today first detailed on Thursday.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024
  • One of the most memorable chapters epitomizes her detestation for the ultra-wealthy and pompous intellectuals who rushed to rationalize her work.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 20 Jan. 2024
Noun
  • Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations.
    Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
  • According to research, the fear of flying is one of the most prevalent phobias in the world.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The woman interviewed by the Associated Press and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, called on police to investigate the assault as a hate incident.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The threat of terror continues because terror has existed as long as curiosity and fear, love and hate, light and dark—as long as the human heart has beat.
    Viet Thanh Nguyễn, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antipathy

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!