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 The Senate's steeper cuts to Medicaid are likely to irritate moderates while the higher price tag could alienate conservatives. Caitlin Yilek july 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025 With Musk alienating some car buyers in key markets and the rollout of more affordable models apparently delayed, investors are now bracing for a second consecutive annual drop in Tesla car sales. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025 Even in consumer SaaS, shipping without user research or QA can alienate early adopters. Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 The democratic socialist's platform could alienate centrist Democrats and independents critical in pushing him past the finish line in November. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • Trump left Washington in January 2021 infuriated with Netanyahu, bitter that the Israeli leader had backed out of a planned joint operation to assassinate an Iranian general and had congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 8 July 2025
  • But his veto of an affordable housing bill that had been drafted largely to his specifications infuriated lawmakers.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • No matter how much new manufacturing is built in the U.S., many of the materials still only come from China and any delays or missteps cede more ground to China in the middle of a brawl for AI dominance as China rapidly builds more power from coal to wind and solar.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 3 July 2025
  • Canada also had a clear 1.19-0.2 xG advantage thanks to a greater quantity and quality of chances created, but fully ceded that edge after halftime and was outshot 8-1 (0.04-0.64).
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Topline Attorney General Pam Bondi has become the chief lightning rod for those on the right angered by the Department of Justice’s lack of new information regarding disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein—a subject of extensive right-wing conspiracies—with some calling for her firing.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • That comment angered many staffers, several said in interviews.
    Rachana Pradhan, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • But two of the endeavor’s most compelling aspects are difficult to convey in any individual image, no matter how spectacular: the sheer amount of data Rubin will produce and the speed with which those data will flood into astronomers’ work.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • But all that riz ultimately serves to convey a lacerating critique of American gun violence.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Lori still appears to be estranged from some of her daughters and Larry's children.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • Three parents of members told The Enquirer they had been estranged or cut off by their children, and some ex-members said they were prevented from contacting friends outside the church.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • While Israel wants to eradicate Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, the group has shown little willingness to relinquish its political and military power in Gaza.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
  • The judge in Jackson's case has ordered Burgin to relinquish any firearms in his possession, including firearm parts and ammunition, within 24 hours of receiving the restraining order.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The borderline third-strike call enraged Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who erupted from the dugout and was quickly ejected for arguing.
    Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Massie enraged the president by opposing Trump's continuing resolution that would keep the government operating.
    Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman Martin said during the Sunday press conference that there are 230 DPS personnel assigned to Kerr County.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • As of Friday afternoon, 608 personnel, four helicopters, 46 fire engines and seven bulldozers had been assigned to fight the fire.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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