Definitions

rancor

[rang-ker] / ˈræŋ kər /

NOUN

bitterness, hatred

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acrimony animosity animus antagonism bad blood bitterness enmity grudge harshness hatred hostility ill will malice resentment venom

STRONG

acerbity antipathy aversion bile dudgeon hate hatefulness malevolence malignity mordacity pique retaliation ruthlessness spite spitefulness spleen umbrage unfriendliness variance vengeance vengefulness vindictiveness virulence

WEAK

hardness of heart ill feeling resentfulness revengefulness uncharitableness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

benevolence friendliness friendship good will kindness liking love loving sympathy

STRONG

happiness

WEAK

respect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even when denying Tamora’s entreaties, Mr. Page’s Titus speaks in grave but reasonable tones, without a trace of rancor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

You have two choices after that: Mention it in a review — factually and without rancor — or contact the Airbnb Resolution Center.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Some supporters of Ken Paxton think that rancor is more important.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Now he views the world and the people around him with “much more compassion and understanding. I have no more time for rancor and bitterness — they’re like a cancer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

At his saying that, everyone around the fire broke out laughing— a sort of sardonic laughter intended to convey deep-rooted rancor and hatred.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

Vocabulary lists containing rancor

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Romeo and Juliet

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Grade 11, List 1

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