enmity

noun

ˈen-mə-tē How to pronounce enmity (audio)
Definition of enmitynext
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will enmity had existed between the two families for generations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Lalas’ apparent delight in courting the enmity of the American viewing public also extends to his co-hosts—so much so that his early verbal scuffles with Zlatan Ibrahimović have gone more viral than whooping cough. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026 Trae Young won Madison Square Garden’s undying enmity in the 2021 playoffs for the Atlanta Hawks, punctuating game-breaking shots by shushing the crowd or bowing to the fans and waving goodbye. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 On a hilltop, there is assembled a Gacaca, one of the elder-run community courts established as part of Rwanditude, the national reconciliation program designed to break the cycle of insidiously intimate neighbor-on-neighbor violence and enmity that characterized the conflict. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 26 May 2026 Majid Saeedi / Getty Images Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, said Monday that Tehran had no enmity against any countries in the region, including the UAE. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enmity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity
  1. hostility
  2. grudge
  3. hatred
  4. bitterness
Noun
  • Engelbert has consistently mismanaged the overt physical hostility directed at the league's biggest star.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Today, however, some experts suggest that explicit displays of racial hostility have become more visible in public spaces.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.
    — Eleanor Nash July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Within the first 10 minutes of the match on Monday, which was also the anniversary of that game, the Mexican fans reminded the world of their 12-year grudge against the Oranje.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • The rivalry between the neighboring nations stretches back over 100 years on the pitch without ever being one that has slipped into hatred.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proof that the babies aren’t born with hatred in their bellies and in their blood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of bitterness

Browse Nearby Words

enmeshments
enmity
ennoble
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Cite this Entry

“Enmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enmity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on enmity

Nglish: Translation of enmity for Spanish Speakers

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