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
  • Opposition to the war grew in Australia along with the Palestinian death toll, and last September the government angered Israeli leaders by supporting other like-minded Western nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, by formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Republican senators, who were responding to the revelation subpoenas of members’ phone records by former special counsel Jack Smith in his 2020 election probe, had previously blindsided and angered the House by including that provision in a bill to end the historic government shutdown.
    Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The United States has now given Russia, China, and anyone else who wants to give it a try a road map for invading countries and capturing leaders who displease them, with a lawlessness that by comparison makes the 2003 invasion of Iraq seem as lawyered up as a bank merger.
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has also extracted settlements from ABC and CBS News in lawsuits over stories that displeased him, and is suing the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
    David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers have found that companies risk alienating employees, customers, and investors by taking a side.
    Sharon Epperson,Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Trump should ask himself whether stirring a hornet’s nest serves any purpose other than pointlessly alienating a benevolent neighbor that is beginning to pad its insurance policy by reaching out to non-hemispheric powers.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When Iranian leaders moved to cut spending on subsidies that help Iranians afford basic essentials, thousands of protesters already dissatisfied with Iran’s political leadership finally took to the streets.
    Shooka Bidarian, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
  • His 2-3 playoff record came after a long dissatisfying postseason stretch from Chan Gailey (0-2), Bill Parcells (0-2), Phillips (1-2) and before McCarthy (1-3).
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • An email to Damon has also been leaked, as have a slew of texts between Lively and her reportedly estranged pal Taylor Swift, who Baldoni’s camp now intends to call as a hostile witness.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • She is set to recur as Jenny Ballard, Renée Ballard’s (Maggie Q) estranged mom.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This claim — and the American military intervention in Venezuela this weekend — has outraged some in neighboring Colombia, particularly those on the left, who warn of American interventionism and regional hegemony.
    Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Black Lives Matter leaders, who hosted the Sunday night vigil, are outraged by what happened.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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