Definition of disaffectnext

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
  • But Schnur said the governor likely also has concerns about angering one of his biggest backers.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Daemon, angered that his wife/niece is mad at him for orchestrating the brutal murder of a child, goes to the cursed castle of Harrenhal to claim it for their side — or perhaps to claim it for himself.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • But many Spotify users voiced displeasure at the change-up, with some complaining that the disco ball looked pixelated on a small phone screen and, generally, was visually displeasing.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 June 2026
  • Many of Furgeson’s subjects were displeased by his haughty musings, which would seem less out of place if he was garbed in a royal mantle and wielding a golden scepter.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The money raised is not set to go into the state’s Medi-Cal funding but instead into the general fund, infuriating advocates who note Newsom’s budget maintains rollbacks to health insurance for undocumented immigrants, low-income elderly Californians and other vulnerable populations.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
  • Lawyers just can’t stop being caught using AI chatbots, polluting their filings with hallucinated citations that infuriate judges when they’re caught.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • And get annoyed when people spell it wrong anyway?
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • If their next outing doesn’t keep carefully evolving, they can get branded a one-trick pony, but pushing the envelope too far can alienate day-one fans.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 15 June 2026
  • Visiting New York shortly after September 11th, Habermas was alienated by an upsurge of patriotic blather and xenophobia.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Democrats: No evidence of 'imminent threat' Democrats came away from their conversations with Rubio and other top administration officials woefully dissatisfied.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Now adults and estranged, the siblings battle perception, reality, legacy and plenty of ghosts.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The View alum and her eldest daughter were estranged on and off throughout Chelsea's teenage and early adulthood years.
    Anna Myers, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Those leaders should be outraged, not celebrating the memorandum of understanding (MOU).
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • Liberals have been increasingly outraged by Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, especially during the war in Gaza, and conservatives have questioned the importance of longstanding American support for Israel.
    Kelvin Chan, Fortune, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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