Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enmity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enmity are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

In what contexts can animosity take the place of enmity?

The meanings of animosity and enmity largely overlap; however, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When is it sensible to use animus instead of enmity?

While in some cases nearly identical to enmity, 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 enmity?

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 hostility a more appropriate choice than enmity?

While the synonyms hostility and enmity are close in meaning, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would rancor be a reasonable alternative to enmity?

The words rancor and enmity 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 enmity The subsequent 444-day hostage crisis at the embassy in Tehran kindled decades of enmity. Nasser Karimi, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025 Trump is a better investment than your average president: Both the blessings of his favor and the consequences of his enmity are more extreme. Ezra Klein, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025 The one area in which Trump shows unwavering determination is his enmity toward technical expertise. Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024 The closest parallel was nearly 50 years ago, when then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat jettisoned decades of enmity and abruptly announced his readiness to travel to Israel, kickstarting diplomacy that led to a peace treaty. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for enmity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity
Noun
  • The Russian foreign policy establishment always speculated that Europe would be most likely to eventually seek rapprochement with Moscow, while U.S. hostility to Russia was thought to be hard-wired.
    Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Constantine says that talking about solar’s benefits—whether that’s through creating jobs, reducing blackouts, or pushing electricity prices down—is the key to overcoming hostility.
    Kate Yoder, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
  • Democrats, blinded by their hatred of him, have ignored this.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Debra Messing, who has produced a new documentary on (horseshoe-theory) antisemitism called October 8, has been one of Hollywood’s few intensely admirable exceptions, calling out anti-Jewish hatred with a fierce constancy over the past 16 months.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Enmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enmity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enmity

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!