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 Still, the hostility toward large nonfinancial companies is a harmful restriction on competition, one that fails to create a neutral regulatory environment or create a level playing field for issuers. Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Since then, the poster has noticed a shift in Liz’s attitude, sometimes even bordering on hostility. Ashley Vega, People.com, 2 June 2025 Magnifying the loss is the government’s hostility to foreigners, especially Chinese. David G. Victor, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2025 Reflecting back on that episode, and the way that anti-trans sentiment has only continued to build in American culture since then, Furman said she’s been thinking about the roots of the hostility against people like her. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hostility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostility
Noun
  • But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2025
  • When the topic of Clark came up in discussion, Braun was hopeful that the apparent hatred against Clark, and throughout the association and its fans, could come to an end, while siding with Banks.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Yes, Good Night, and Good Luck is based on the real-life conflict between Murrow and Senator McCarthy and the CBS broadcast that helped expose him.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • Several swaps have previously taken place between the two sides despite the ongoing conflict.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The violence all allegedly stemmed from a workplace grudge triggered by a $100 equipment bill from his boss for damage to heavy construction equipment, authorities said.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • He’s been too busy winning state titles with the Bruins to get riled up about old grudges.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The hotel, owned by his father in its heyday, has acutely felt Lebanon’s ups and downs over the decades, closing and reopening multiple times because of wars.
    Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
  • That drastically changed after Armenia suffered a disastrous defeat in the 2020 war.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans’ massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Trump but assailed by Musk.
    Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • Officials are also looking into a motive, including animosity between people at the party, Turk said.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Know More The flood of accusations and pointed fingers underscores the long-running antagonism between the companies, which offer similar services and compete for customers.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 June 2025
  • In long-term care, however, families and residents may worry that correcting the way staff members speak could create antagonisms.
    Paula Span, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Yet despite their history of enmity, Tehran and Washington have shown consistent, mutual interest in a deal since Trump’s return to the White House.
    Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
  • Enrichment remains key in negotiations The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on half a century of enmity.
    Giada Zampano, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • While the Marines are expected to avoid direct engagement with demonstrators, the symbolism of active-duty troops patrolling the streets of Los Angeles has reignited deep political tensions and legal debates over the limits of federal power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • Their tension was broadcast for the world to see via a live stream on Sunday (June 8) near the Bellagio Fountains.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hostility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostility. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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