ANIMUS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

animus

noun

ˈa-nə-məs

Definition of animus next

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will feeling no animus toward those who had wronged her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun animus differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of animus are animosity, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, and rancor. While all these words mean "deep-seated dislike or ill will," animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

When is animosity a more appropriate choice than animus?

The synonyms animosity and animus are sometimes interchangeable, but animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

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

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 would enmity be a good substitute for animus?

The words enmity and animus can be used in similar contexts, but enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

When might hostility be a better fit than animus?

While in some cases nearly identical to animus, hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

When is it sensible to use rancor instead of animus?

While the synonyms rancor and animus are close in meaning, rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

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 animus Flashback: Trump's animus toward the Department of Education isn't new. —

Ivana Saric, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 So the personal animus vis a vis Gates and OpenAI, paired with a real financial incentive with xAI, could perhaps be at play there. —

Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024 His coarse language, angry tirades, racial and cultural animus, blatant disregard for the truth and outright misogyny drew both rabid followers and harsh repudiation. —

Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, Trump has changed his tune about TikTok, at least in part for apparently personal reasons and his animus for the app’s rivals. —

Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for animus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for animus

Noun

On several occasions tensions between the two countries — NATO allies divided by deep historical antagonisms — have stirred powerful nationalist passions and brought them to the brink of hostilities.

Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
In it, Elphaba and Galinda profess their undying friendship; suffice it to say that Grande found the notion of treating her co-star with violent hostility an acting challenge.

Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025