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

Those short-term tweaks, rising costs and council rancor led to dual downgrades from ratings agencies earlier this year. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Yet as the memory of the Civil War faded, the meaning of the symbols changed; the names Sumner and Brooks became emblems of partisan rancor—a cautionary tale about the breakdown of civil discourse. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Until the past few years, political rancor had never seeped into Huffman's classroom. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 May 2026

And at the heart of the rancor between the sides was, well, money. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026