RANCOR Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'rancor' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rancor are animosity , animus , antagonism , antipathy , enmity , and hostility . While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. // rancor filled every line of his letters

Q: When is it sensible to use 'animosity' instead of 'rancor'?

While the synonyms animosity and rancor are close in meaning, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. // animosity that led to revenge

Q: Where would 'animus' be a reasonable alternative to 'rancor'?

Although the words animus and rancor have much in common, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. // objections devoid of personal animus

Q: How are the words 'antipathy' and 'antagonism' related as synonyms of 'rancor'?

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

Q: When is 'enmity' a more appropriate choice than 'rancor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rancor , enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. // an unspoken enmity

Q: When might 'hostility' be a better fit than 'rancor'?

The words hostility and rancor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. // hostility between the two nations

rancor

noun

ˈraŋ-kər

Definition of rancor next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will controversy over use of pesticides has caused a lot of rancor in this agricultural community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun rancor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rancor are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and hostility. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

When is it sensible to use animosity instead of rancor?

While the synonyms animosity and rancor are close in meaning, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

Where would animus be a reasonable alternative to rancor?

Although the words animus and rancor have much in common, 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 rancor?

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 enmity a more appropriate choice than rancor?

While in some cases nearly identical to rancor, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When might hostility be a better fit than rancor?

The words hostility and rancor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

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 rancor The relationship, like many in Venter’s career, ended in rancor. —

Matthew Herper, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026 Behind the scenes, Disney insiders say some lessons were learned from the last bout of rancor over Kimmel. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026 The deification and worship of Japanese war criminals responsible for some of the Japanese Empire’s worst crimes in Korea and China has long been a source of rancor in the region. —

Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026 That was not a surprise, given the open rancor between House and Senate leaders left over from last year’s session, which, despite the GOP’s control of both chambers, also failed to produce a budget on time and went an extra 45 days. —

Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rancor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor

Noun

The apparent loss of the aircraft came after hostilities in the region escalated over the weekend, with Iran and Israel exchanging their first direct strikes in months late Sunday.

— Todd Symons, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Pashinyan has implemented the complete transformation of Armenia’s position in the region and the world, going from a de facto protectorate of Russia to one bordering on hostility.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026