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 With the Trump administration's antipathy toward climate science, universities are stepping up to ensure the U.S. still has scientific representation at the IPCC. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 That’s probably no longer the case given the Chinese government’s subtle antipathy for those who are pulling out or trying to minimize China. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 June 2025 There was plenty of shock and disgust—and enthusiasm, too, from figures who shared West’s fascination with Hitler, or antipathy for Jews. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2025 Spice is added to the battle between the two clubs from the antipathy between Brighton’s owner-chairman Tony Bloom and his Brentford counterpart, Matthew Benham. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy
Noun
  • Fu also singled out Israel and called for efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • The News Gulf nations expressed concern about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, but largely sidestepped blaming Washington for the strikes.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • It’s often considered an enemy of development in the state due to its ability to slow projects to a grinding halt.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
  • After each round, a new hand is drawn from the deck, enemies perform their actions (and maybe more enemies appear), and action points reset.
    Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • And that is not to say that sometimes that anger wasn’t righteous, and sometimes those grudges weren’t deserved.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Alongside impossibly strong grannies, Dana must also contend with a dangerous prisoner now enjoying some posthumous freedom and a gun-toting drug dynasty with one almighty grudge.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 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
  • Even Heinz made a joke on social media last year about the superstar’s phobia, posting a photo of a bottle of ketchup labeled Heinz 97 (referencing McDavid’s jersey number) — instead of the traditional Heinz 57 label on the bottle.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
  • Noise-sensitive dogs, particularly breeds like border collies and Australian shepherds, may have a genetic predisposition to noise phobias.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The video was filmed after the reunion, during which the subject of online hate was a prominent topic.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
  • This president creates more hate every day. — Jelmir Atkins, Sycamore, Illinois Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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