ESTRANGEMENT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

estrangement

noun

Definition of estrangement

as in alienation

the loss of friendship or affection a silly quarrel that eventually resulted in a complete and lasting estrangement between the onetime friends

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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 estrangement But whether the cousins will spend more time together remains unclear amid the ongoing estrangement between Harry and William. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 This is also considered unlikely, due to Harry and Prince William’s estrangement. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 20 Aug. 2026 In May, ahead of the publication of Panettiere's book, Vogel addressed her estrangement from her daughter. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Fears of future economic and supply chain weaponization have fostered a growing estrangement between the two countries, feeding a broader hostility that empowers more aggressive voices on both sides of the Pacific. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 After years of acrimony, estrangement and speculation over whether Oasis could ever take the stage, Noel sees the reunion as an opportunity to reshape the band’s legacy. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026 Family estrangement has become a fixture of talk shows, advice columns and social media. — Rin Reczek, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026 Yet perhaps my estrangement from the Spider-Man film series gives me a certain valuable perspective on the whole enterprise. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 Brielle, as well as Zolciak, 48, and sister Ariana, 24, have been candid about their estrangement from the former NFL star, 37, amid the couple’s divorce and custody battle over their four younger children. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangement

Noun

Nor can it be secured through repression, which amplifies alienation, fuels anger, and breeds broader resentment toward the Pakistani state.

— Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 2026
With its möbius-strip-esque structure, this surreal social class satire about grief, urban alienation and gentrification in the city of Lagos explores the lost hope of the Nigerian dream.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of alienation

Noun

World-renowned for his work on marital stability and divorce prediction, John Gottman has conducted 50 years of breakthrough research with thousands of couples.

— Big Think, Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026
But narrowing down what is actually disrupting your sleep is a better starting point than assuming a sleep divorce is the only option.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of divorce

Noun

The lasting schism among religious groups would ultimately be linked to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi (1948) and that of Indira Gandhi (1984).

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
But the Kirtland church community soon experienced schisms and conflicts over doctrine, money and authority.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

In Mike Nichols’ 1967 comedy of disaffection, Hoffman originated the role that Rhys played onstage, so the snub was startling.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Certainly both sides do seem to be capitalizing on the same sense of disaffection with government.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of disaffection

Noun

Beanie Bishop, one of the team’s newest corners, had two interceptions and a pass breakup.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
In the second half, interior defensive lineman Leki Fotu, who started the game on defense, nearly intercepted a Carson Wentz pass with some good anticipation and a pass breakup underneath.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of breakup

Noun

From Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
The talent agency represents a number of top creators, including MrBeast, Charli D’Amelio and Alix Earle, who formerly worked with Cooper but left her network, causing speculation about a rift or possible feud between the two creators.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rift

Browse Nearby Words

estranged

estrangement

estrangements

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“Estrangement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangement. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of estrangement

noun

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