rancor

[ rang-ker ]

noun

1. bitter, rankling resentment or ill will; hatred; malice.

   Synonyms: bitterness, animosity, venom, spite

   Antonyms: benevolence

Other Words From

• rancored especially British, rancoured adjective
• un·rancored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rancor¹

1175–1225; Middle English rancour, from Middle French, from Late Latin rancōr- (stem of rancor ) “rancidity,” equivalent to Latin ranc(ēre) ( rancid ) + -ōr- -or ¹

Synonym Study

See malevolence.

Example Sentences

Once upon a time, it was possible to believe Donald Trump would set aside rancor and lies and be a president for us all.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Trump had glided down his golden escalator to announce his candidacy a year earlier, the nation was accustomed to rancor and sharpening divisions.

From Los Angeles Times

In France, particularly, a historical legacy that still causes rancor was the wartime behavior of the wealthy elite.

From Salon

Invoking “Ted Lasso” nowadays nets mixed reactions, but our first taste of that sugar came back in 2020 when rancor and bitterness defined our existence.

From Salon

The far-right movement in Hood County exemplifies the rancor and divisions that have reordered American politics and provoked a battle for the identity of the Republican Party.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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