rancor

noun

ran·​cor ˈraŋ-kər How to pronounce rancor (audio)
-ˌkȯr
: bitter deep-seated ill will
Choose the Right Synonym for rancor

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will.

enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

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

animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

Examples of rancor in a Sentence

She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor. In the end, the debate created a degree of rancor among the committee members.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But at least one auto industry analyst said the numbers could have been much worse — given the uncertainty swirling around tariffs and the political rancor aimed at Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, the largest electric vehicle maker in the country. Rob Nikolewski, Mercury News, 21 May 2025 Such cultures place a high premium on kindness, critique without rancor, affirmation, and acceptance. Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 After the meeting Gertz reacted to the swipe without rancor. Bob Skolnik, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 But the president's open rancor toward 60 Minutes looms over all. David Folkenflik, NPR, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rancor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rancour, from Anglo-French rancur, from Late Latin rancor rancidity, rancor, from Latin rancēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rancor was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rancor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rancor. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

rancor

noun
ran·​cor ˈraŋ-kər How to pronounce rancor (audio)
: deep hatred
rancorous
-k(ə-)rəs
adjective
rancorously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rancor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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