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 decision to open up agricultural imports may alienate farmers, traditionally seen as a support base for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 July 2025 This album really does reflect my journey in a lot of ways without alienating the people who are just now getting to know me. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 14 July 2025 Now Musk risks dragging Tesla the political wilderness by alienating Capitol Hill lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 7 July 2025 Or will the steep cuts in the social safety net alienate some of the same blue-collar voters that Trump wrested from the Democratic coalition? Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • The memo infuriated Kelly and other high-profile members of Trump's coalition, who for years have peddled conspiracy theories claiming Epstein was murdered and that the government covered up an extensive list of wealthy politicians and businesspeople who were involved with Epstein.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • The increases are infuriating residents, and sending lawmakers scrambling for solutions.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • In court filings, Pryor anticipated, and attempted to quell, the timing problem by arguing he was required to cede control of his NIL in perpetuity.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025
  • Democrats have accused their Republican colleagues of ceding that power to the president with measures like the recent spending cuts, as well as a sweeping tax, spending and policy bill passed earlier in July at Trump's urging.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
  • The story, though, didn't die down and Trump only appeared to grow more angered by the pushback from his supporters.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Mindful nonverbal communication is crucial for congruence, ensuring your body language aligns with your verbal message to convey the intended tone and emotion accurately.
    Su Bridgman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • The intentional combo conveys a sense of authority: The kind of person who always arrives on time, leads the meeting, and never misses a step.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • That filing infamously dragged in Lively’s reportedly estranged best friend Taylor Swift by alleging the actress leveraged Swift’s star status.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • Niko McKnight, singer-musician and estranged son of Brian McKnight and ex-wife Julie, died on Thursday (May 29) following a battle with cancer.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The program was created in 2010 by the La Jolla Community Foundation and subsequently was relinquished to the oversight of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
  • Expensive, but necessary The Magic went hard after Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies, and had to relinquish a package that included four first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap to get him.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • In 1995, when the Premier League was in its infancy and transfer fees were tiny in comparison to today, Newcastle United, serious title contenders, enraged their supporters by selling leading goalscorer Andy Cole to Manchester United for £6million plus winger Keith Gillespie.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy’s loyal supporters.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The two groups were randomly assigned to one of two lifestyle programs that ran for two years.
    Alice Park, Time, 30 July 2025
  • Islam, who had joined the NYPD three and a half years ago, was assigned to this precinct.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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