Synonyms of estrange

estrange

verb

i-ˈstrānj 

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring

she estranged several of her coworkers when she let her promotion go to her head

Synonyms & Similar Words

• infuriate
• alienate
• anger
• alien
• enrage
• outrage
• sour
• sever
• annoy
• disaffect
• embitter
• disappoint
• irritate
• disgruntle
• antagonize
• aggravate
• bother
• dissociate
• enflame
• disunite
• inflame
• divide
• exasperate
• rile
• disillusion
• rankle
• split
• uncouple
• roil
• sunder
• irk
• vex
• envenom
• unlink
• madden
• disenchant
• separate
• incense
• unyoke
• chafe
• pique
• bug
• grate
• gall
• break up
• peeve
• nettle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reconcile
• appease
• placate
• endear
• conciliate
• ingratiate
• disarm
• pacify
• propitiate
• mollify

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

Recent Examples of estrange

Kate Gosselin is estranged from Collin and Hannah while Jon Gosselin is estranged from the remaining children. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025

Less fitting was just how few words Love — who had long been estranged from Brian Wilson — said about the late Beach Boys’ mastermind before and after the video tribute. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025

Brad has been estranged from his children for years. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 9 Aug. 2025

The mother of two elaborated on her current feelings regarding the loss of her WWE wrestling icon father, with whom she was estranged at the time of his death. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025