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

as in hostility

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

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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 Yet as the memory of the Civil War faded, the meaning of the symbols changed; the names Sumner and Brooks became emblems of partisan rancor—a cautionary tale about the breakdown of civil discourse. — Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 Until the past few years, political rancor had never seeped into Huffman's classroom. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 May 2026 And at the heart of the rancor between the sides was, well, money. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rancor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor

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

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

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

Cite this Entry

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

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Synonyms of rancor

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