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

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 enmity The final contest between Ali and Frazier was the culmination of a relationship that had begun in friendship but curdled into deep enmity, the decisive battle in a war that had become larger than the two men in the ring. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 Too much of today’s public discourse, especially online, fosters enmity instead of empathy. Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 While there’s no love triangle, The Long Walk treats its allegiances and enmities with a grandeur that rivals any romance, especially the connection between its hero, Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman), and his friend Peter McVries (David Jonsson). Alison Willmore, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 With none willing to stand in the face of enmity, spite and oppression, Jerusalem was destroyed. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enmity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity
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
Noun
  • Chocolate’s distinctive taste begins with cocoa beans, harvested from trees and fermented right on the cocoa farm to develop their aroma and reduce bitterness.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
  • For the signature bitterness, instead of the classic Campari, Taylor used the deeper Averna—where Campari’s orange bitterness is bright and juicy, Averna’s orange bitterness is a lower hum, like a flourless chocolate cake.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enmity. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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