DISAFFECT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disaffect' contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and estrange are common synonyms of disaffect . While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," 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: When is 'alienate' a more appropriate choice than 'disaffect'?

While in some cases nearly identical to disaffect , alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest. // managed to alienate all his coworkers

Q: When can 'estrange' be used instead of 'disaffect'?

The words estrange and disaffect can be used in similar contexts, but estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement. // his estranged wife

disaffect

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈfekt

Definition of disaffect

as in to anger

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring the candidate tried to win over disaffected voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to displease

to make discontented the troops were disaffected by the extension of their tours of duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb disaffect contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and estrange are common synonyms of disaffect. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," 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

When is alienate a more appropriate choice than disaffect?

While in some cases nearly identical to disaffect, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When can estrange be used instead of disaffect?

The words estrange and disaffect can be used in similar contexts, but 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 disaffect Though many fans have turned their backs on the mope-rocker for his baffling anti-immigrant stance, many more have tucked their heads into the sand to hold onto the moody, disaffected lyrics that so explained our teenaged selves to us. — Michelle Tea, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Mar. 2023 Yang has honed in on a message of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, touted the need for a nationwide universal basic income and boasted about his ability to reach voters who have become disaffected by national politics. — Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2019 Dina Litovsky for The New York Times Here’s at least one sign that some young adults are disaffected with dating apps. — Jennifer Miller, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2019 And that adds to its appeal for supporters disaffected from the moneyed elites who run the former British colony, organizers say. — Christopher Bodeen, chicagotribune.com, 18 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for disaffect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaffect

Verb

The two women who won jury trials in their lawsuits against the county are angered that the county has opted to appeal.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2026
Public backlash is prompting San Diego to reopen 13 restrooms in Mission Bay Park this Friday after a six-week closure during the heart of summer that angered city residents and tourists.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

Sadat was killed by Muslim extremists who were displeased with Sadat’s foreign and domestic policies.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
When the restaurant informed the couple that they were not permitted to offer special alcoholic deals due to local restrictions, the couple was displeased.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of displease

Verb

Georgia prosecutors have charged Deja Coleman, his mother, with second-degree murder, infuriating child safety advocates who say that hot car deaths are nearly always accidental and tragic.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Under its previous operator, Mountain View had been plagued by riots that drew negative press and infuriated locals.

— Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

Green Lantern stories can have a tendency to lean too far into the sc-fi angle, which can alienate a lot of non-hardcore fans.

— Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
The same can be said about Tess, who has a fierce, relentless attitude that alienates a few of her friends throughout the movie.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of alienate

Verb

The political stalemate is likely to leave both Republicans and Democrats dissatisfied.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 July 2026
After a series of coups by officers dissatisfied with lagging counterterrorism efforts, juntas in the three countries booted France altogether, establishing close ties with Russia instead.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026

Definition of dissatisfy

Verb

Our findings were consistent with what sociologist Karl Pillemer found in his 2020 national survey, which showed that 27% of Americans were estranged from a relative, or roughly 67 million people.

— Rin Reczek, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
The two, who were estranged for many years, had an impactful conversation about Haven’s sexuality, the former actor said on the All Out with Jon Dean podcast Wednesday.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of estrange

Verb

The victim's wife, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Marlene, and did not want her face shown, said she was outraged by what happened.

— Peter D'Oench, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
In Miami, Mayor Carlos Alvarez was recalled and overwhelmingly voted out of office in 2011 due to outrage over his public funding of a controversial new Marlins stadium.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of outrage

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disadvantages

disaffect

disaffected

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“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of disaffect

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