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 Both Erica and the Gorn overcame their antipathy. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 And Americans who want a Covid booster are left in a lurch because Kennedy’s antipathy now limits what is covered by insurance plans. Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Carter’s personal beef with Trump powered some of the publication’s antipathy towards him the first time around; under Jones, the magazine found that critical pieces about Trump were traffic and subscription drivers, and aligned with many of the editorial sensibilities of staff. Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025 So that could mean that Patrick is not necessarily eager to transfer his antipathy for the former speaker to the present one. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy
Noun
  • Tel Aviv activists hold silent vigils mourning Gaza’s children, confronting public hostility with quiet resilience.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The end of hostilities could also revive deals like a joint venture between BP and Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, which had been paused during the war.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This small interceptor drone is specifically designed to ram into enemy drones mid-air.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The final season will explore Shaka’s enemies trying to undermine his rule and the arrival of Francis Fynn and British colonizers.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Arguing and holding grudges do not lead to great outcomes for our children.
    Pioneer Press elections team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The episodes included many famous guests, including Obama, as well as Robin Williams and Paul McCartney, and offered a revealing look at Maron’s own life, with the host often talking about his personal life, pet peeves and grudges and relationships with the guests on the show.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.
    Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Holly hits the road with the activist and brings along a gun, despite her deep need to be near her home and her abhorrence of weapons.
    Maren Longbella, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Historically, political movements die when they become subsumed by paranoid Jew-hatred.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This isn’t quite like other rivalries, such as the Iron Bowl or Georgia-Georgia Tech, where coaches motivate their players by talking up their hatred of the other team.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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
  • There was no jealousy, no bitterness.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps the bitterness refers to the alimony check?
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Althea Soft conducted search engine analysis into the phobia between November 2022 and October 2024.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Their findings, published in the journal BMC Oral Health, suggest that the phobia isn’t necessarily tied directly to the dentist’s chair.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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