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 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 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 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 group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
  • The story, though, didn't die down and Trump only appeared to grow more angered by the pushback from his supporters.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Snyder’s emphasis on moral mythology in those artistic blockbusters confused cultural gatekeepers, displeasing fanboys of Marvel and The Dark Knight.
    Armond White, National Review, 18 July 2025
  • Humphrey would no doubt be displeased with the outcome in Trump v. Wilcox.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The memo infuriated Kelly and other high-profile members of Trump's coalition, who for years have peddled conspiracy theories claiming Epstein was murdered and that the government covered up an extensive list of wealthy politicians and businesspeople who were involved with Epstein.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But three months are ahead for the always interesting, often amusing, and sometimes infuriating Big Brother.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps Trump just wanted to annoy his counterparts, especially those on the continent.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 July 2025
  • But Cotton, annoyed by Hank’s indirectness and emotion, browbeats his son.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Young people, alienated by the pandemic and social media, are turning to religion as a source of connection.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • How managers can respond: Blanket phone policies may alienate digital natives and reduce efficiency.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump has been dissatisfied with the standard of Air Force One since his first term.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
  • In January, those polled by Gallup were dissatisfied by 77%-20%, almost 4-1.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That filing infamously dragged in Lively’s reportedly estranged best friend Taylor Swift by alleging the actress leveraged Swift’s star status.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • Niko McKnight, singer-musician and estranged son of Brian McKnight and ex-wife Julie, died on Thursday (May 29) following a battle with cancer.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The release also outraged some supporters of the president, who had been promised that more details would be made public.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • What further outraged Roberts and another Cook accuser, however, is what did not appear in the report: that the mayor, who was married and more than 30 years older than each woman at the time, sent them late-night and personal texts alluding to poetry.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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