Animosity and Deference

Opposite meaning words

Animosity noun - A deep-seated ill will.

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Deference is an antonym for animosity.

Nearby Word: animus

Deference noun - A readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others.

Usage example: the sycophantic deference with which the hotel treats celebrity guests

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Animosity is an antonym for deference.

Cite this Source

Deference and Animosity. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/animosity/deference

Animosity & Deference. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/animosity/deference>.

Deference or Animosity. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/animosity/deference.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "animosity" and "deference" have occurred on timeline