ENMITY 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 next

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

Examples of enmity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mistrust and enmity, notably that between India and Pakistan, have made integration a pipe dream. —

Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2024 There is a long history of bitter enmity between Hamas and Fatah. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN, 23 July 2024 Trade and American industry Notably, the former president’s enmity for China seems to be expanding to include American allies. —

Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 19 July 2024 The Arab response has been a century of extreme enmity, marked by violence, boycotts, world media manipulation and diplomatic sabotage of all international bodies. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for enmity

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enmity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.