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 Sanders-Warren backers see Mr. Trump as a symptom of deeper woes, of the desperation of long-struggling voters disaffected by the recent economic prescriptions of both parties. Jacob M. Schlesinger, WSJ, 30 Jan. 2020 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
  • However, sharp spending cuts have angered many, while a recent electoral defeat for his party worried investors ahead of a key legislative vote in October.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The new program, Train SMART, also risks angering a network of grassroots chapters and gun violence prevention volunteers at Everytown.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By the end of the program, Stewart argued Trump was less like a sick child making final wishes, but rather like the six-year-old with terrible powers in the eighth episode of the third season of The Twilight Zone, who can banish those he is displeased by to a cornfield.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Lawmakers, understandably, were displeased.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The decision infuriated Democrats in the House and fueled some calls from within the base for Schumer to be replaced at the top of the party.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Investigative reporting is bad enough; often what really infuriates him is jokes.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to Radar Online, one British royal family member who was especially annoyed at Camilla’s trip was Charles’ own sister, Princess Anne.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Shannon is down in the dumps and annoyed by Tamra’s neediness to be forgiven for past sins.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That said, brands run the risk of alienating their core audience, according to Thomai Serdari, marketing professor at New York University.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
  • With a thoughtful use of color, Wezel constructs a visual world that feels both alienating and intensely sensorial, like a vivid dream uncomfortably close to reality.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Freeman has been dissatisfied with his swing since mid-May and has been in the most extended slump of his career.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 22 July 2025
  • But Black voters have been dissatisfied with Trump’s presidency, polls show.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The Duke of Sussex and his father have been estranged in recent years amid a series of family rifts, along with a legal battle over the removal of security for Harry, his wife Meghan and their children.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • All seems well until the mother dies suddenly leaving father and son bereft and estranged from each other.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In fact, Western leaders are mostly appeasing domestic constituencies outraged by the suffering of ordinary Gazans.
    Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The White House sought to distance itself from the strike, which has outraged regional powers and left ceasefire efforts in jeopardy.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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