Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hostility differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hostility are animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

Where would animosity be a reasonable alternative to hostility?

The words animosity and hostility are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

When might animus be a better fit than hostility?

While the synonyms animus and hostility are close in meaning, animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

How do antipathy and antagonism relate to one another, in the sense of hostility?

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 can enmity be used instead of hostility?

Although the words enmity and hostility have much in common, enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When is rancor a more appropriate choice than hostility?

The synonyms rancor and hostility are sometimes interchangeable, 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 hostility What to Know Khamenei's remarks on Saturday underscored his enduring hostility toward U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and portrayed Washington as a destabilizing force. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 All of these dynamics combine to produce a volatile mix that could turn an escalating trade war into something more dangerous, with each side acting out of a sense of distrust, hostility, and resentment. Michael Swaine, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025 The push to ban the additive comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed skepticism of and sometimes outright hostility toward water fluoridation, which is considered one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 May 2025 Ultimately, restrictions on vacant CPS property sales are part of a broader problem, and that’s education officials’ open hostility toward alternative education models. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hostility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostility
Noun
  • No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.
    Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025
  • Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
    Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Killer of Killers follows three warriors from different periods in history set against different Predator variants, using the tools of their time to take them on before a larger-scale conflict that will merge all the stories.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Several swaps have previously taken place between the two sides despite the ongoing conflict.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The violence all allegedly stemmed from a workplace grudge triggered by a $100 equipment bill from his boss for damage to heavy construction equipment, authorities said.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • He’s been too busy winning state titles with the Bruins to get riled up about old grudges.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine on the campaign trail, but so far has seen little to no progress toward that goal since taking office four months ago.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • Trump’s criticism of Putin comes after Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war, in which more than 360 drones and missiles hit Ukraine and at least 12 people died, the Associated Press reported.
    Molly Bohannon, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • The monarch will be hoping to offer support to Canada in the face of Trump's comments, while simultaneously deflecting any animosity from Trump towards the U.K.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Fights break out in stands after San Diego’s dramatic 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy The animosity between rival MLS fans at the San Diego-LA Galaxy match Saturday led to wild postgame scenes of fighting that elicited a sizeable police response.
    Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • In a wide-ranging interview that spans his childhood dyslexia, career-long antagonism of Donald Trump and navigation of today’s contracting movie business, Lee is alternately funny and introspective, worried and grateful, but always unapologetically himself.
    Rebecca Keegan, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
  • What To Know The exchange was a striking moment of open antagonism in the Oval Office, a space typically reserved for formal diplomacy, especially among U.S. allies.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Yet despite their history of enmity, Tehran and Washington have shown consistent, mutual interest in a deal since Trump’s return to the White House.
    Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
  • Enrichment remains key in negotiations The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the U.S. has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on half a century of enmity.
    Giada Zampano, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Almost every organization has a version of this tension.
    Talie Smith, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Bring Her Back is still a messy endeavor, even with what feels like a newfound discipline, not to mention a superior grasp of pacing and catch-release tension, happening behind the camera.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hostility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostility. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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