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
• disgruntle
• divide
• bother
• 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
• alien
• donate
• dispose of
• will
• leave
• deed
• pass (down)
• move
• contribute
• entrust
• rent
• grant
• lease
• make over
• bestow
• transmit
• present
• commend
• confer
• pass
• surrender
• trust
• commit
• loan
• yield
• turn in
• deliver
• vest
• hand down
• consign
• let
• release
• turn over
• 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

Jackson was outspoken in his criticism of Israel at times, which alienated some pro-Israel voters in Jewish communities, but won him a following among pro-Palestinian advocates and Lebanese Americans concerned about Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon, a region many in Dearborn have ties to. —Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 17 Feb. 2026

However, the fact that the National Citizen Party (NCP) formed by student leaders entered into an alliance with Jamaat alienated many female and minority members. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 Feb. 2026

Macron’s ambitious federalist vision has at times alienated more cautious partners in the bloc. —Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026

Kraft Heinz has lost out to rivals, with Cahillane saying a recent spate of price hikes alienated consumers who were already straying from its brands in favor of healthier alternatives at a lower cost. —Reuters wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026