Synonyms of alienate

alienate

verb

ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt 

1

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring

her changed position on the issue surprised and alienated many of her supporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• infuriate
• anger
• estrange
• enrage
• annoy
• alien
• outrage
• sour
• disaffect
• antagonize
• disappoint
• irritate
• sever
• aggravate
• embitter
• divide
• disgruntle
• bother
• enflame
• rile
• inflame
• dissociate
• split
• rankle
• exasperate
• disunite
• disillusion
• irk
• roil
• uncouple
• separate
• incense
• sunder
• vex
• disenchant
• madden
• unlink
• envenom
• pique
• unyoke
• chafe
• bug
• break up
• grate
• gall
• peeve
• nettle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reconcile
• appease
• placate
• endear
• disarm
• pacify
• ingratiate
• conciliate
• mollify
• propitiate

2

as in to cede

to give over the legal possession or ownership of

landowners have a right to alienate their right of ownership—in other words, they can sell the land if they want to

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cede
• convey
• relinquish
• assign
• transfer
• bequeath
• lend
• donate
• alien
• dispose of
• will
• leave
• deed
• pass (down)
• move
• entrust
• contribute
• rent
• lease
• grant
• make over
• bestow
• loan
• transmit
• present
• commend
• confer
• surrender
• pass
• trust
• commit
• yield
• turn in
• deliver
• vest
• hand down
• consign
• let
• release
• turn over
• intrust
• hand over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expropriate

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

Recent Examples of alienate

At a moment when Arab states are finally calling on Hamas to disarm, Western recognition would embolden extremists and further alienate Israelis. —Zoltan Istvan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025

But for many candidates, the experience feels alienating and impersonal. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

Another operative questioned the strategic logic, noting that backing a weak or unpopular candidate and sparking open warfare with Trump’s team risks alienating the very voters Kemp would need in a future national campaign. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025

Back in the 1990s, when Marc Maron began appearing on Late Night With Conan O’Brien as a panel guest, the comedian would often alienate the crowd. —Vikram Murthi, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2025