RANCOR Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'rancor' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rancor are animosity , animus , antagonism , antipathy , enmity , and hostility . While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. // rancor filled every line of his letters

Q: When is it sensible to use 'animosity' instead of 'rancor'?

While the synonyms animosity and rancor are close in meaning, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. // animosity that led to revenge

Q: Where would 'animus' be a reasonable alternative to 'rancor'?

Although the words animus and rancor have much in common, 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 'rancor'?

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 'enmity' a more appropriate choice than 'rancor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rancor , enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. // an unspoken enmity

Q: When might 'hostility' be a better fit than 'rancor'?

The words hostility and rancor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. // hostility between the two nations

rancor

noun

ˈraŋ-kər

Definition of rancor next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will controversy over use of pesticides has caused a lot of rancor in this agricultural community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rancor differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rancor are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and hostility. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

When is it sensible to use animosity instead of rancor?

While the synonyms animosity and rancor are close in meaning, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

Where would animus be a reasonable alternative to rancor?

Although the words animus and rancor have much in common, 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 rancor?

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 enmity a more appropriate choice than rancor?

While in some cases nearly identical to rancor, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When might hostility be a better fit than rancor?

The words hostility and rancor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

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 rancor In this day of rampant corruption, extreme vitriol and rancor, and political vindictiveness, immorality pervades all of society. —

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 The national tone is one of division and rancor. —

Kevin Fixler may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026 The relationship, like many in Venter’s career, ended in rancor. —

Matthew Herper, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026 Behind the scenes, Disney insiders say some lessons were learned from the last bout of rancor over Kimmel. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rancor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor

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