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Definition of rancor

rancor

/ˈræŋ.kɚ/
(UK: rancour)
ran · cor
Adverb:rancorously
•
Plural:rancors
•
Adjective:rancorous
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rancor Lexical Profile

rancor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American Bitter, deep-seated, and long-standing resentment, malice, or ill will.

Example

"Despite the heated debate during the election, the two candidates shook hands afterward without a trace of rancor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rancor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for rancor

Word Nuance & Usage

Spelled 'rancor' in American English and 'rancour' in British English.

• Rhymes for rancor

• Nearby Words

rancid
rancidly
rancidness
rancor
rancorous
rancorousness
rand

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French rancor, from Late Latin rancor ('rancidness; a grudge or bitterness'), derived from Latin rancere ('to be rank or rotten'), which also gave English the word 'rancid'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rancor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rancor
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