ENMITIES 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

as in hostility

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

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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 White would not be happy about these songs being used to speculate about what goes on behind closed doors — that seems evident enough from the several songs on the album that express enmity toward snoops and know-it-alls. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026 After Cape Fear anchors us in those assurances, the men’s enmity continues manipulating our expectations and our beliefs. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for enmity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enmity

Noun

Monsoon rains repeatedly destroy their shelter, and the city offers them little beyond hostility and indifference.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
While Connecticut has responded to these attacks, creating a new student loan program and funding tens of millions in research programming in lieu of federal hostility, the attacks keep coming.

— Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Tennessee fans once expressed a grudge toward former coach Lane Kiffin by pelting the Neyland Stadium field with debris, including a mustard bottle and a golf ball, the latter of which struck Kiffin.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
But whether William can continue holding a grudge against Harry with his brother geographically close to him again remains to be seen.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of grudge

Noun

His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet Christ Jesus consistently refused to let fear, hatred, or sin define his view of anyone’s identity.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

This copper beauty serves up bold floral and citrus aromas, plus the signature IPA bitterness.

— Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Little united the Syrian rebels during the country’s civil war from 2011 to 2024 outside of their hatred of Assad, and Damascus has sought to cultivate this memory of bitterness to keep the country’s disparate groups together.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of bitterness

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enmeshments

enmity

ennoble

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“Enmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enmity. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of enmity

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Synonyms of enmity

noun

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Example Sentences

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Love It or Hate It

Is it 'deep-seated' or 'deep-seeded'?

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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