RANCORS 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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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 accord called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 22 June 2026
The memorandum of understanding calls for an end to all hostilities, including in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been fighting Hezbollah.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

So exemplary was Bergeron’s career, on the ice and off, there are no lingering grudges in this or that city, no bills to pay, no scores to settle.

— Steve Buckley, New York Times, 23 June 2026
But pretty soon the two interlopers into this small, grudge-holding but tight-knit community — the kind where, going back generations, everybody not only knows but is mightily resentful of everyone else’s business — develop a kind of outsider kinship.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026

Definition of grudge

Noun

And after spending most of Sunday as the guy the crowd didn’t want to see close the deal, Clark didn’t respond with bitterness.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Crisp and refreshing, the drink’s grapefruit bitterness was softened by carbonation, giving Mexico’s national cocktail a lively upgrade.

— Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Police investigations showed that the pair are suspected of displaying seditious items and selling publications with seditious content inside the shop, including materials inciting hatred against the city's government, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, the government said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Not drinking seemed to me synonymous with a hatred of pleasure, a fascist quest for purity.

— Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026