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

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 estrange In what is simultaneously a love story and a tale of ambition, estranged childhood friends Sam and Sadie unexpectedly reunite in their college years and decide to produce a video game together. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025 But this is also a movie about parents who are fighting to hold on to the children who are for one reason or another, estranged. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 Jackson was estranged from her family and was never reported missing, Fitzpatrick said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025 Old Hollywood star Joan Crawford was estranged from two of her children, Christina and Christopher, at the time of her death in 1977 8 Comments Hollywood legend Joan Crawford had a complicated relationship with her children. Julie Tremaine, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for estrange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange
Verb
  • One thing is certain: Tyreek can be frustrating, exciting, dramatic, funny, sobering, entertaining and infuriating all in the same day.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2025
  • Dorsey’s effort has infuriated critics in a city that has pioneered harm reduction.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • No other governor would purposely alienate the families of 70,000 kids.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • Using their status as low- or no-tariff zones has required connector countries to thread a narrow path, exploiting opportunities for trade while minimizing the risk of alienating the West or China.
    Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Apparently, Apple angered the US judge and the regulation behind it.
    Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
  • The English-for-truckers push has particularly angered me, though.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Verb
  • Jason Kilar, who had just become head of what was then called Warner Media and was part of AT&T, was enraged enough at the messy debut that some executives soon would move on.
    David Bloom, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • The government doesn’t keep statistics regarding the number of white farmers killed, but news of particularly brutal attacks has enraged many Afrikaners.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Race aside, police brutality by anyone against anyone should outrage everyone.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
  • The concert outraged many Mexicans, and Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla soon announced a ban on public performances that glorify crime and violence.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The specter of tariffs comes amid already slowing EV sales as economic uncertainty sours sentiment for consumers, many of whom are avoiding buying cars or choosing cheaper hybrid vehicles instead.
    Akash Sriram, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • The marketing blitz comes amid souring consumer attitudes that have already fueled a buying spree among businesses and ordinary shoppers alike.
    J.J. McCorvey, NBC news, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • In November 2019, Bondi temporarily severed her ties to Ballard Partners and representation of the Qatari Embassy to serve as one of Trump’s defense attorneys amid his first impeachment inquiry.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
  • Trump weighs in But Trump, who has the power to continue or sever Washington's crucial supply of arms to Ukraine, took a different line.
    Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on estrange

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!