ENMITY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enmity

noun

ˈen-mə-tē

Definition of enmity next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will enmity had existed between the two families for generations

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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

Examples 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 In a sign of growing enmity, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos disclosed her ill feelings toward Sara Duterte in a radio interview in April. —

Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 As the difficulties continue, a viewer can rightly wonder, what on earth possessed Timoner and Waterman to begin this journey with such a deep focus on religion, often the cause of ancient and ongoing enmity? —

Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024 Once Trump withdraws America’s aegis over these allies, what is to prevent old hostilities from resurfacing, from enmities between Germany and France or Germany and Poland to lingering resentments between the Japanese and Koreans? —

Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024 To say Raffensperger has been a constant in Trump’s craw would be to understate the ex-President’s enmity toward him. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enmity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity

Noun

For example, shrinking the size and scope of government is a goal which could help the country, but reducing or trimming government programs for almost any constituency would be fraught with hostility and political costs.

— Frank Lavin, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Just more than 100 were released in late November 2023 during a pause in hostilities, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

— Keir Simmons, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025