ANTAGONISM Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'antagonism' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antagonism are animosity , animus , antipathy , enmity , hostility , and rancor . While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," 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 'animosity' a more appropriate choice than 'antagonism'?

The words animosity and antagonism can be used in similar contexts, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. // animosity that led to revenge

Q: In what contexts can 'animus' take the place of 'antagonism'?

While the synonyms animus and antagonism are close in meaning, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. // objections devoid of personal animus

Q: When could 'enmity' be used to replace 'antagonism'?

While in some cases nearly identical to antagonism , enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. // an unspoken enmity

Q: Where would 'hostility' be a reasonable alternative to 'antagonism'?

Although the words hostility and antagonism have much in common, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. // hostility between the two nations

Q: When would 'rancor' be a good substitute for 'antagonism'?

The meanings of rancor and antagonism largely overlap; however, rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. // rancor filled every line of his letters

antagonism

noun

an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm

Definition of antagonism next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun antagonism differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antagonism are animosity, animus, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," 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 animosity a more appropriate choice than antagonism?

The words animosity and antagonism can be used in similar contexts, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

In what contexts can animus take the place of antagonism?

While the synonyms animus and antagonism are close in meaning, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

When could enmity be used to replace antagonism?

While in some cases nearly identical to antagonism, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

Where would hostility be a reasonable alternative to antagonism?

Although the words hostility and antagonism have much in common, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When would rancor be a good substitute for antagonism?

The meanings of rancor and antagonism largely overlap; however, 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 antagonism Yet Trump’s position as president of the United States—the largest funder and primary backer of numerous international organizations—makes his antagonism uniquely consequential. —

Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024 Heller’s screenplay adaptation of the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder indulges the selfish antagonism that Millennial feminists take as their prerogative. —

Armond White, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024 Trump could face some internal pressure to tone down his antagonism, particularly from border states that rely more heavily on USMCA exports. —

Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024 Both women seem stuck in a cycle of mutual antagonism, leaving us to wonder how long the truce will last before someone gets triggered again. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antagonism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonism

Noun

International pressure is growing as the United Nations urged both sides to prevent a resurgence of hostilities.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Soon, hundreds of thousands of Gazans would enter Israel daily for work, and Gaza's economy became tied to Israel's, but hostility persisted.

— Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025