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

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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

Examples 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 Largely lost in the political rancor is the way Springfield and the surrounding area responded to the influx of Haitian immigrants. —

Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024 Washington should take these steps not with rancor or resentment but with a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to cooperate on issues on which American and European interests align, such as climate change, counterterrorism, and the management of the world economy. —

Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019 The Times reports America First has intentionally kept its activities quiet amid Trump’s rancor over Project 2025, operating largely under wraps as Project 2025 has grabbed national headlines. —

Alison Durkee, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 In the sixties, most states were battleground states, and the rancor in the streets corresponded with fluidity at the ballot box. —

Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rancor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancor

Noun

TikTok has long denied having any links to the Chinese government, and the federal government has not made public any of the specific intelligence it’s used to justify its hostility against the company.

Alison Durkee, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
The Jordanian government announced the closure of the crossing amid the hostility.

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Dec. 2024