Synonyms of rancor

rancor

noun

ˈraŋ-kər 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of rancor

And with so much murder and mayhem in our contemporary history, many Iranians treat one another with suspicion and rancor. —Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

Some tried, without rancor, to simply explain that what Jones did is not what reporters normally do in postgame situations. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

Congress members need to find a way to work together to address these problems without rancor, with mutual respect and with a determination to solve problems. —Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026

The debates will show how the power of America's earliest principles — civil, substantive discussion, free of rancor — have immense value today. —CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025