estranged

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
Synonyms of estrangednext
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.Lauren Zupkus

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Sisters Nora and Agnes, played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleas, reunite with their estranged film director father, played by Stellan Skarsgård, after their mother’s death. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 The new work stars Michela Farrugia as Mar who is planning to quit her native Malta for good following the death of her estranged mother, using the proceeds from the sale of farmland she’s inherited to fund the move. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026 Sullivan’s Crossing, based on the novels by Robyn Carr of Virgin River fame, stars Morgan Kohan as neurosurgeon Maggie, who returns to her hometown to reconnect with her estranged dad, Sully (Patterson), amid a medical lawsuit. Sarah Hearon, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026 London — David and Victoria Beckham have both posted birthday messages to their estranged son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, extending what appears to be an olive branch amid a very public feud. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estranged

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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