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
• disunite
• inflame
• divide
• exasperate
• rile
• rankle
• disillusion
• 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

Niko Alissandratos said in a phone interview Sunday that he had been estranged from his brother and other family members for some years and hadn’t intended to come to the reception. —Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 Feb. 2026

This elopement would estrange Wright from several of his children for decades to come. —Carrie Hojnicki, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2026

The couple had been estranged for 10 years but continued to live in the home together. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

They had been estranged from each other, but the loss was still poignant and painful for Alvarez, particularly when the time came for her daughter to leave for college. —Autumn Barnes, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026