List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 138

SYNONYMS: enmity, hostility, antagonism, animosity, rancor, antipathy.
These nouns refer to the feeling or expression of deep-seated ill will.

Enmity is hatred such as might be felt for an enemy: The wartime enmity subsided into mutual distrust.
Hostility implies the clear expression of enmity, as in the form of belligerent attitudes or violent acts: There was a great hostility between the two men.
Antagonism is hostility that quickly results in active resistance, opposition, or contentiousness: antagonism between the liberal and conservative elements of the party.
Animosity is angry ill will that often triggers the taking of rancorous or punitive action: tried to overcome his animosity toward governmental control.
Rancor suggests the harboring of hatred and resentment typically traceable to past grievances that have led to a desire for revenge: parting without rancor.
Antipathy is deep-seated aversion or repugnance: a deep antipathy to social pretension.

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