Synonyms of enmity

enmity

noun

ˈen-mə-tē 

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will

enmity had existed between the two families for generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hostility
• grudge
• hatred
• bitterness
• animosity
• antagonism
• tension
• feud
• rancor
• antipathy
• animus
• malice
• friction
• jaundice
• bad blood
• gall
• discord
• vendetta
• alienation
• vindictiveness
• hate
• estrangement
• loathing
• disaffection
• conflict
• blood feud
• virulence
• score
• spite
• vitriol
• unfriendliness
• malignity
• malignancy
• coolness
• venom
• spitefulness
• strain
• inhospitableness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amity
• friendliness
• cordiality
• hospitality
• friendship
• amiability
• sympathy
• neighborliness
• civility
• understanding
• goodwill
• empathy
• comity
• amicability

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enmity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enmity are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can animosity take the place of enmity?

The meanings of animosity and enmity largely overlap; however, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When is it sensible to use animus instead of enmity?

While in some cases nearly identical to enmity, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

How are the words antipathy and antagonism related as synonyms of enmity?

Both 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 hostility a more appropriate choice than enmity?

While the synonyms hostility and enmity are close in meaning, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would rancor be a reasonable alternative to enmity?

The words rancor and enmity can be used in similar contexts, but rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of enmity

In this case, Jones earned the enmity coming his way from the team’s fans. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2025

The striking shift in tone — from enmity to friendliness — is impossible to ignore. —Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025

Gaza played host to the conflict’s multiple historical layers of enmity, rage, and revenge. —Hussein Agha, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

Even though Moscow and Beijing are now closely aligned, it would be shortsighted to presume this alignment will be enduring given their past enmity and the potential for a future breakup. —Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2025