Synonym Chooser

How does the noun antipathy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antipathy are animosity, animus, antagonism, 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 could animosity be used to replace antipathy?

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

animosity that led to revenge

When is animus a more appropriate choice than antipathy?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

When would enmity be a good substitute for antipathy?

Although the words enmity and antipathy have much in common, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When is it sensible to use hostility instead of antipathy?

The meanings of hostility and antipathy largely overlap; however, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

In what contexts can rancor take the place of antipathy?

While in some cases nearly identical to antipathy, 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 antipathy Thompson: Most surprising has been the antipathy of the mass media. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2024 Netanyahu, in short, is not as popular as his antipathies. Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025 Notably the administration has been silent on its intentions towards China, which strikes me as odd given that many members of the administration are united in their antipathy towards America’s geostrategic rivalry (Marco Rubio for example published ‘The World China Made’). Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Philly Republicans appear unlikely to field any candidates despite recent GOP gains and the party's antipathy toward Democratic incumbent Larry Krasner. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antipathy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antipathy
Noun
  • And this all matches the public’s general hostility to higher rates of immigration to the US over the last few years — which according to Gallup data, seems to still be the case.
    Christian Paz, Vox, 2 May 2025
  • Trump has pressed both sides to quickly come to a war-ending agreement, but while Zelenskyy agreed to an American plan for an initial 30-day halt to hostilities, Russia has not signed on and has continued to strike at targets inside Ukraine.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Coming from an impoverished family, Ding eagerly took part in public humiliation rallies against teachers, intellectuals, government officials and others labeled as enemies of Mao’s vision.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • Asking everyone else to leave, the two enemies have a private conversation that finally gets Faye out of Specter Litt Williams for good.
    Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The daughter of the trickster god Anansi, Abena spent her entire life terrified that her dad would lose her in a bet, and still bears a grudge that the Doctor couldn't take her away.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 May 2025
  • Football folk have memories that would impress elephants and a mafioso’s capacity for holding grudges.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The reactions from right-of-center publications divide into roughly four camps, aligning on a spectrum ranging from vocal approval to outright abhorrence.
    Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
  • Tolin doesn’t candy coat the animosity, helping children to understand how artists and Others continue to be misunderstood and how that lack of appreciation fuels abhorrence.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Heiss said that nothing would be so devastating as to have earned Prima’s hatred.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • While Brandon Hagel has been suspended and a number of jarring hits have taken place, there is another level of intensity and hatred around the corner.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Between the lines: Many undecideds are painfully trying to balance their sense of obligation with their detestation for Trump, as USA Today first detailed on Thursday.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024
  • One of the most memorable chapters epitomizes her detestation for the ultra-wealthy and pompous intellectuals who rushed to rationalize her work.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 20 Jan. 2024
Noun
  • Common causes of noise phobias include fireworks, gunshots, vacuums and fire alarms.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Despite its name, photophobia is not a phobia or a fear of lights.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sabrina Carpenter is too busy of a woman to take the hate to heart.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Many of the comments from her supporters celebrate and justify her hate.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antipathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antipathy. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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