Synonym Chooser

How does the verb alienate contrast with its synonyms?

The words disaffect and estrange are common synonyms of alienate. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When is it sensible to use disaffect instead of alienate?

The meanings of disaffect and alienate largely overlap; however, disaffect refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (such as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation.

troops disaffected by hunger

In what contexts can estrange take the place of alienate?

Although the words estrange and alienate have much in common, estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alienate There’s something very alienating about it. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2025 As the 2024 election strongly indicated, Democrats alienated a sizable share of the electorate with their recent move to the left. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 Many surveys show that college students are fearful of saying something that will alienate them from their peers or invite the disapproval of their instructors. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025 More of the faculty lounge policies that have alienated such families. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • The journey, first to Paris and then through Switzerland and Milan and onwards to Venice, was for the most part pleasant, being blessedly free of many of the wearisome and often infuriating hindrances and misdirections that rail travel usually entails.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t be surprised if this is a hot-hand situation, though, and rather infuriating.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • America should basically cede that key technology of the Great Progression to Chinese global leadership.
    Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The unpalatable alternative for Macron would be dissolving parliament again, ceding to pressure from the far right in particular for another unscheduled cycle of legislative elections.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And nothing angers the Survivor gods more than reality TV hubris.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Comments the host made after the murder of right wing activist and influencer Charlie Kirk angered MAGA supporters and saw the nation’s largest station group, Nexstar – which has its own mega merger up for review at the FCC – preempt the late night staple.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Morris asked that his attorneys convey his sincere apologies to Clemishire and his thanks to those who have supported and forgiven him.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Lines are curved and warm wood surfaces convey intimacy.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the wake of recent reports linking them again, Kate's ex-husband Jon and estranged son, Collin Gosselin, called her out publicly.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In the play, Farrow played Sharon, a lonely Iowa woman – estranged from her adult son, divorced from her husband – who decides to take a boarder into her large farmhouse.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Liberation lies in relinquishing projection, in surrendering the desire for children to mirror our priorities and accomplishments.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
  • For decades after that, most parents who relinquished infants for adoption did not expect to see or hear from those children again.
    Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As a huge golf lover myself, I was enraged by having to listen to the constant abuse and unsporting behaviour of the crowd.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Trump had already enraged some Indians by taking credit for brokering a ceasefire, in May, between India and Pakistan, after the countries had engaged in their worst military conflict in decades.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The agency also assigns an advisory level for all countries.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In clubhouses with bigger lockers or prized locations, players are assigned to spots by service time.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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