ALIENATE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

alienate

verb

ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt

Definition of alienate

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 Moreno has also alienated portions of the fan base for changing the team’s name from Anaheim Angels in 2005 to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The costume misstep happened as Target’s sales have started rebounding from earlier company moves that alienated some customers and from a perception the quality of its stores and merchandise had declined. — Nancy Jiang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 By demeaning and alienating most people, Capps predicted, the Christian right wing was planting the seeds of its own demise. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 In the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, France's initial mediating role gave way to a pro-Armenia stance, alienating Baku and diminishing its leverage with Yerevan, which now increasingly favors the US. — Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

The targeting designation infuriated KU coach Lance Leipold, who was asked about the flag after a game in which the defense held the Sharks to 146 yards and 11 first downs.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
The White House’s abrupt decision last week to ease tariffs on 300,000 metric tons — more than 660 million pounds — of foreign beef imports has infuriated American cattle ranchers and congressional Republicans alike.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

Payton still drew votes despite ceding play-calling duties this season to offensive coordinator Davis Webb.

— Jeff Howe, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Uber’s Nigeria departure now cedes ground to both firms and a crop of local players like LagRide, a startup backed by the state government in Lagos.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of cede

Verb

But Trump’s solution, to import 300,000 metric tons of beef and sell it at a reduced cost, angered American ranchers.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Rebecca regrets angering Matthijs (Matteo van der Grijn) after putting his daughter in the middle of a heated discussion around the possibility of Matthijs moving to London.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

The ads conveyed just enough Silicon Valley messianism to be believable, and just enough absurdity to be funny.

— Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
That designation will allow the Chiefs to purchase property for the stadium and training facility and convey it to the corporate body to avoid paying state or local taxes that residents and business owners must pay annually.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of convey

Verb

Carrie is estranged from her father and has had nothing to do with him for several years.

— Abigail Van Buren, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of estrange

Verb

Marie-Louise is enraged one minute, subservient the next, bullying the staff while throwing banquets for Nazi officials.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
The hiring of the Catalan content creator, however, has only served to enrage the public, rather than enticing them to watch the race.

— Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of enrage

Browse Nearby Words

alien

alienate

alienated

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“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of alienate

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