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

Synonym Chooser

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

Sánchez is facing mounting scrutiny amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where the flood of thousands of migrants has angered residents in the tiny community, which is ill-equipped to handle such an influx.

— Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Prosecutors argued Monday that Kading’s disclosures angered Davis.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

While most of the male cops were unhappy with the gender integration of the department, a lot of the women officers were displeased, too.

— Wilbert L. Cooper, Longreads, 25 Aug. 2026
The only cohort of players likely to be displeased with this year’s prize money increases are doubles specialists.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of displease

Verb

The targeting designation infuriated KU coach Lance Leipold, who was asked about the flag after a game in which the defense held the Sharks to 146 yards and 11 first downs.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
The White House’s abrupt decision last week to ease tariffs on 300,000 metric tons — more than 660 million pounds — of foreign beef imports has infuriated American cattle ranchers and congressional Republicans alike.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

Carlson had alienated vast swaths of Fox in the run-up to his firing.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Ukraine’s former defense minister is launching a military tech company backed by Palantir CEO Alex Karp, a decision that risks alienating Kyiv’s European backers.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 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

Carrie is estranged from her father and has had nothing to do with him for several years.

— Abigail Van Buren, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of estrange

Verb

To the casual YouTube viewer, these would look like unconnected videos from political news creators outraged by events happening in cities led by Democrats.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of disaffect

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