Logo
dictionary thesaurus

antipathy

noun
an·​tip·​a·​thy | \ an-ˈti-pə-thē How to pronounce antipathy (audio) \
plural antipathies

Definition of antipathy

1 : a strong feeling of dislike an antipathy to taxes a deep antipathy between the groups
2 : something disliked : an object of aversion … perhaps his greatest antipathies were cabs, old women, doors that would not shut …— Charles Dickens
3 obsolete : opposition in feeling
Other Words from antipathy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about antipathy

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for antipathy

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

Did You Know?

When the nation of Yugoslavia was created in 1945, it combined a number of ethnic groups with a history of violent antipathy toward each other. In 1991–92 four regions of the country announced that they would become independent nations; a bloody six-year war followed, fueled by these ancient and powerful antipathies. The American Civil War similarly resulted from antipathy between the North and the South. But in the U.S.'s relations with its next-door neighbors, it's been a long time since emotions have gotten much stronger than annoyance.

Examples of antipathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Some 17,600 comments run the gamut of French nationalism, pro-animal sentiment, and general antipathy to those who want to change country living. — Natasha Frost, Quartzy, "A French rooster called Maurice is being sued by his neighbors," 6 July 2019 Along the Mexican border, where there are large Mexican-American populations, not everyone shares Mr Trump’s antipathy to their southern neighbour. — The Economist, "How Mexico and Canada are trying to bypass Donald Trump," 15 June 2019 Chief among the conflicts is the antipathy between guitarist Perkins (Brett Benowitz), Phillips’ first big star, and flashy newcomer Lewis (Ben Van Diepen), the madman pianist. — James Hebert, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Lamb’s Players’ ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ gives real-life rockers a run for their money in Vista," 22 July 2019 But our stories are so often lost because of active antipathy or passive neglect. — Michelle Tea, Harper's magazine, "Stonewall at Fifty," 22 June 2019 Most of the individuals have turned their backs to someone, the bright afternoon sunshine no match for the icy atmosphere of entrenched and habitual antipathy. — David Pagel, Los Angeles Times, "Review: Forget sexy. Eric Fischl paints the dark dramas amid all that skin," 16 July 2019 Players like John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors spent their entire careers projecting a sense of antipathy toward both older and younger rivals. — Kevin Craft, The Atlantic, "What the Men Can Learn From the Women at Wimbledon," 2 July 2019 This week, the central government and its allies in Hong Kong downplayed the possibility that a genuine antipathy toward Beijing was on display on the city's broiling streets. — Washington Post, "What China struggles more than ever to get from Hong Kong: Loyalty and love," 17 June 2019 The policy itself wasn’t a radical departure from Trump’s long-running antipathy toward Muslims. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Should Trump’s Bigotry Disqualify His Travel Ban?," 25 Apr. 2018

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

See More

First Known Use of antipathy

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for antipathy

Latin antipathia, from Greek antipatheia, from antipathēs of opposite feelings, from anti- + pathos experience — more at pathos

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for antipathy

antipathy

noun
an·​tip·​a·​thy | \ an-ˈti-pə-thē How to pronounce antipathy (audio) \
plural antipathies

Kids Definition of antipathy

: a strong feeling of dislike

antipathy

noun
an·​tip·​a·​thy | \ an-ˈtip-ə-thē How to pronounce antipathy (audio) \
plural antipathies

Medical Definition of antipathy

1 : settled aversion or dislike
2 : an object of aversion

Other Words from antipathy

antipathic \ ˌant-​i-​ˈpath-​ik How to pronounce antipathic (audio) \ adjective

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

nuance

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!