animosity

noun

ˌa-nə-ˈmä-sə-tē How to pronounce animosity (audio)
Definition of animositynext
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will his open animosity towards us made our meeting very uncomfortable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun animosity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of animosity are animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When can animus be used instead of animosity?

In some situations, the words animus and animosity are roughly equivalent. However, 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 animosity?

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 might enmity be a better fit than animosity?

The synonyms enmity and animosity are sometimes interchangeable, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can hostility take the place of animosity?

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

hostility between the two nations

When is it sensible to use rancor instead of animosity?

The words rancor and animosity can be used in similar contexts, but rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

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 animosity There was passion, animosity, skill, and desire — the qualities that make hockey the best sport in the world when it’s played at an elite level. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 Missing such a pivotal time could result in lasting animosity or isolation. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Since Trump first threatened to enact sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports and began referring to the US’ northern neighbor as the 51st state, animosity toward the US and its leader has been mounting. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 Trump’s animosity toward the First Amendment also extended to its guarantee of peaceable assembly. —Scott Nover, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for animosity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for animosity
  1. hostility
  2. grudge
  3. hatred
Noun
  • Intentionally directing attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians who are not directly taking part in hostilities is considered a war crime under international law.
    — Clarissa Ward, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Even small shifts can build rapport and defuse hostility.
    — Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Their motivations included personal grudges, racial hatred and political leanings.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Sparring with the media and holding grudges are features of Donald Trump’s combative personality.
    — Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • Venerable baby boomer Kevin Bacon plays the titular bounty hunter Hub Halloran, a proud Georgia man with little tolerance for tomfoolery and a hatred of the Red Sox.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Even if those two men didn’t make it out of Europe alive, the unspeakable acts carried out in the name of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich would still live on in infamy, reminding humanity what blind hatred and xenophobia could lead to if a society wasn’t careful.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hatred

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Cite this Entry

“Animosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/animosity. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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