estrange

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estrange contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

When could alienate be used to replace estrange?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When would disaffect be a good substitute for estrange?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples of estrange in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bernthal will play Jack Harper, the Sheriff’s Office detective who is married to Anna but the two are estranged, their relationship complicated by loss and betrayal. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 2024 Eleven percent of those are estranged from a parent. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 5 Sep. 2024 Previously, Marvel had produced nearly a dozen shows for the streaming platform, flooding the market and estranging some fans. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024 Pitt has long been estranged from his son, as he’s also become estranged from most — if not all — of his six children with Jolie. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estrange 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'estrange.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near estrange

Cite this Entry

“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on estrange

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