Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hostility differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hostility are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would animosity be a reasonable alternative to hostility?

The words animosity and hostility are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When might animus be a better fit than hostility?

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

objections devoid of personal animus

How do antipathy and antagonism relate to one another, in the sense of hostility?

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 can enmity be used instead of hostility?

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

an unspoken enmity

When is rancor a more appropriate choice than hostility?

The synonyms rancor and hostility are sometimes interchangeable, 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 hostility True to its name, the Anti-Masonic Party was rooted in hostility to Freemasons, who dominated much of the American political establishment. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 In a dramatic and high-stakes diplomatic maneuver, the United States and Venezuela have completed a sweeping prisoner exchange that could mark the beginning of a thaw in years of political hostility between the two nations. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 The price cap amendment is part of a broader European push to further pressure Russia to cease hostilities in Ukraine. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 18 July 2025 Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes argued the move demonstrates hostility towards disaster relief and jeopardizes projects like flood mitigation in Buckeye and Camp Verde. Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hostility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostility
Noun
  • Many were subjected to many forms of hatred spawned from these misunderstandings.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
    Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Str | Afp | Getty Images The escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia could have a negative impact on their tourism-dependent economies, but Cambodia's is more vulnerable, analysts said.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 July 2025
  • Friday's instalment will be held one month after the end of fighting in the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which saw the U.S. strike several targets in Iran.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • In the End, Tommy Fleetwood's Character Will Prevail Despite this awkward situation, Fleetwood has no plans to hold too many grudges about what happened.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • President Donald Trump singled out Brazil for import taxes of 50% on Wednesday for its treatment of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro, showing that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The cumulative effect of crises on top of crises — from war, to daily explosions suspected to be sabotage, to skyrocketing inflation, to water and power cuts — has many Iranians reeling.
    Leily Nikounazar Arash Khamooshi, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Nearly 150 out of the 190 U.N. member states now do so, including several other European countries—Spain, Ireland and Norway—that have formally recognized Palestine since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Critics say Campbell’s animosity toward Trump is just as strong as that of her predecessor, Gov. Maura Healey, who, as attorney general, sued the president’s first administration 96 times.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
  • The Trump administration’s last-minute snub of the Aspen Security Forum this week betrays a growing animosity between the U.S. government and wider national security community.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • So, part of our mission here is that there couldn't be a time in American history when there has been more divisiveness and antagonizing antagonism among different cultures, races, religions and walks of life.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Trump’s antagonism toward the media has shot across multiple vectors.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Their dynamic seems born not of enmity but something almost more collaborative.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • This is a big call, as anti-U.S. enmity may have passed.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Where the negotiations with the Bengals stand Talks and tensions between Hamilton County and the Bengals have escalated as both sides have traded accusations of violating the Paycor Stadium lease.
    Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • Weighed down by trade wars, geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility, the global market for personal luxury goods will likely fall by between 2 and 5 percent this year, according to the latest Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study from Bain and Altagamma.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hostility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostility. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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