Definition of alienatenext

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 ClassPass, the fitness subscription service, illustrates how narrow the line can be between improving conversion and alienating users. Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 This subtle change should be a welcome update for many skiers—without alienating the low-volume crowd the Promachine has always catered to. Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026 That such a scenario was ever remotely conceivable has alienated Europe in ways that Washington won’t soon be able to repair, European officials said. Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026 The White House said the previous Biden administration had alienated the business community to the detriment of the economy. Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • By that measure, ceding the oil industry to the United States at least holds the promise of importing industrial know-how with some financial benefit for the country.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Knowing Eddie Howe’s side has struggled to break down low blocks, Villa ceded space in midfield and defended deeper in the second half.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Many of the Italians who chanted and blew whistles near the grand stone arch in the Piazza XXV Aprile said they had been horrified and angered by images and videos on social media showing ICE agents operating violently in Minneapolis.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Last year, Congress passed legislation at the request of the president to rescind $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, angering Democrats and some Republicans.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As outré as Camel Lights gets, the presence of such treasured guests and ideas apparently rattling around Geologist’s brain for 28 years conveys the sense that this is a genuinely personal work—not a one-off novelty.
    Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Tech CFOs are tasked with conveying that strategy clearly to investors, bridging the gap between bold spending and long-term returns.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Cal’s mother, Grace, is estranged from the family, having left her terrifyingly pious and physically abusive husband, as well as her own mother, who appears complicit in her son-in-law’s behavior.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The brother said he's been estranged from Kazmierczak for the past four years.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • People do not readily relinquish authority.
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Willis would never relinquish that varsity bag.
    Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday has enraged many people across the country.
    Frank Langfitt, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Duran booted a water bottle on his way down the tunnel while manager Unai Emery was enraged by Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall putting his finger to his lips and telling the Spaniard to be quiet.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • His remarks to reporters earlier today were the first since the president assigned him to lead federal operations in Minnesota, after Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino made his exit this week.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The News predicts the UIL will assign DeSoto to a new-look District 7-5AI that will also include Cedar Hill, Crandall, Lancaster, Mesquite, Midlothian, North Mesquite and West Mesquite.
    Myah Taylor, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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