Synonyms of hostility

hostility

noun

hä-ˈsti-lə-tē 

1

as in hatred

a deep-seated ill will

a lingering hostility between the two neighbors ever since since they had that property-line dispute

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in conflict

hostilities plural a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups

Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conflict
• war
• fighting
• warfare
• conflagration
• hot war
• civil war
• engagement
• cold war
• world war
• police action
• combat
• battle
• skirmish
• holy war
• action
• limited war

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• peace
• disarmament
• demobilization
• demilitarization
• pacification
• truce
• tranquility
• peacefulness
• calm
• ceasefire

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hostility differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hostility are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would animosity be a reasonable alternative to hostility?

The words animosity and hostility are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When might animus be a better fit than hostility?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

How do antipathy and antagonism relate to one another, in the sense of hostility?

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 can enmity be used instead of hostility?

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

an unspoken enmity

When is rancor a more appropriate choice than hostility?

The synonyms rancor and hostility are sometimes interchangeable, but rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hostility

Russia's bigger army has managed to capture about 20% of Ukraine since hostilities began in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of 2022. —Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026

Under the War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973 as a result of former President Richard Nixon’s overreach in the Vietnam War, the president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops into hostilities. —Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Jan. 2026

Russia’s bigger army has managed to capture about 20% of Ukraine since hostilities began in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of 2022. —Kamila Hrabchuk, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

As the villagers turn against their growing sisterhood, Kellou must stand up for Aya and face the hostility of her own people, while fighting for their freedom. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026