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

Governor Gavin Newsom cannot effectively intervene to pressure candidates to drop out without risking significant political damage, including potential embarrassment if his efforts fail and potentially alienating voters of color whose prominent candidates would likely be targets for exit. —Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

Perfection alienates; wrongness invites. —Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

By combining elements of traditional masculine dressing with the traditionally feminine ballet flat, brands are participating in the trend without alienating shoppers. —Jack Stanley, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026

Later, Black voters were alienated by the candidacy of Republican Barry Goldwater, a senator from Arizona who advocated for states' rights, which many people interpreted as pro-segregation. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026