1 rancor | Definition of rancor

rancor

noun
ran·​cor | \ ˈraÅ‹-kÉ™r How to pronounce rancor (audio) , -ËŒkȯr\

Definition of rancor

: bitter deep-seated ill will

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Choose the Right Synonym for rancor

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed. an unspoken enmity hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression. hostility between the two nations 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 animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility. animosity that led to revenge rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong. rancor filled every line of his letters animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice. objections devoid of personal animus

Examples of rancor in a Sentence

She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor. In the end, the debate created a degree of rancor among the committee members.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our nation is torn by political rancor and battles over who is an American. Los Angeles Times, "Scrapbooks and racial histories tell America’s story in PBS’ ‘Family Pictures USA’," 9 Aug. 2019 But some tariffs remain in place and the rancor between the two countries continues. Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Here’s What Analysts Expect From Apple’s Upcoming Earnings," 29 July 2019 The class could also teach students why online exchanges, including on social media and email, end in rancor and hostility more often than do face-to-face exchanges. Tyler Cowen, The Denver Post, "Guest Commentary: Internet 101 should be a required class," 7 July 2019 Lingering rancor and polemical arguments over the Vietnam War continued to undercut American statecraft for years after that conflict ended. Hal Brands, National Review, "Lessons from the Iraq War," 20 June 2019 The rancor the race has inspired is reminiscent of the charges of voter suppression that national Democrats often lob at Republicans, and vice versa. Vivian Wang, New York Times, "‘Trumpian’ Tactics: Queens D.A. Race Turns Nasty," 5 July 2019 The former president had been handpicked by Senator McCain to speak at the funeral—along with the 42nd president, George W. Bush—and used it as an opportunity to speak out against the rancor of the current political environment. The Editors, Town & Country, "Here's What Barack Obama Is Doing Now," 24 June 2019 Officials have worked to allay those concerns by saying neighborhoods will retain all their powers under the new scheme, though that has done little to calm the skepticism and even rancor expressed by some neighborhood leaders. oregonlive.com, "Rebutting critics, Chloe Eudaly says ‘nothing is changing’ for Portland neighborhood groups," 31 July 2019 The 2016 Republican presidential debate at the Fox Theater in Detroit was full of rancor and bombast with most of the GOP candidates taking shots at Donald Trump and the New York businessman responding in kind. Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit debate could make or break a candidate: Michigan is home to many flubs," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rancor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rancor

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rancor

Middle English rancour, from Anglo-French rancur, from Late Latin rancor rancidity, rancor, from Latin rancēre

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More Definitions for rancor

rancor

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rancor

formal : an angry feeling of hatred or dislike for someone who has treated you unfairly

rancor

noun
ran·​cor | \ ˈraÅ‹-kÉ™r How to pronounce rancor (audio) \

Kids Definition of rancor

: deep hatred

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More from Merriam-Webster on rancor

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rancor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rancor

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Britannica English: Translation of rancor for Arabic Speakers