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

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 Adding to the rancor among opponents of the project is the fact that the building would have 22 stories and stand 239 feet tall. Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025 Members of Congress would be wise to listen to the rancor unleashed at town halls. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 However, RedZone host Scott Hanson’s mention of ads while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday sparked Reddit rancor and X acrimony, with some number of fans coming to believe—falsely—that the ads would be more disruptive than those trials and that ESPN was behind the change. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025 In 2022, the two were at the firm ValueAct, which pushed the Times to make better use of its bundle and products, without much of the public rancor or knife-twisting that usually accompanies activist fights. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rancor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor
Noun
  • The monthlong celebration comes at a crucial time, as transgender youths continue to face mounting legislative attacks and social hostility nationwide.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Police officers eventually began to line tee boxes as the weekend progressed, though that also did not assuage the hostility.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That’s a long grudge that Ben holds.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
  • There’s the Herschel Walker trade, the Charles Haley trade, and the long grudge between Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps the bitterness refers to the alimony check?
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Phillies have tasted enough bitterness in previous Octobers to know that.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Raised under Augusta’s religious terror and hatred for women, Ed tries to hide his penchant for ladies’ underwear and masturbation to no avail.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Not as a land of fear, not as a divisiveness, not of government censorship, not of hatred.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Rancor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancor. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rancor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!