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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
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.
Potthast encouraged their fractured family to go to therapy and repair their estranged relationships. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025 More victims, including his estranged brother, Randy, came forward in Investigation Discovery's two-part docuseries Spacey Unmasked, which was released in May 2024. Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025 Aidan frames Dan for the theft, because estranged siblings are complicated, and so our heroes are forced to prove their innocence by foiling Aidan’s bid for power. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2025 For instance, an estranged child may have more legal authority over an incapacitated parent than their long-term but unmarried partner. Kahli Zietlow, The Conversation, 18 Nov. 2025 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 8 Dec. 2025.

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