ESTRANGEMENT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

estrangement

noun

Definition of estrangement

as in alienation

the loss of friendship or affection a silly quarrel that eventually resulted in a complete and lasting estrangement between the onetime friends

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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 estrangement Shifting baseline syndrome was initially considered an evocative parable of humans’ estrangement from wild nature—a warning in the form of a hypothesis. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026 One source told People Elizabeth visited both brothers after their estrangement from one another. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026 Many viewers have been excited to see Rhaenyra and Daemon’s romance rekindled this season after their estrangement in Season 2. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 6 July 2026 Advertisement Since the 2025 war, broader regional developments have deepened the estrangement. — Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026 Amid the longstanding estrangement, the Duke of Sussex has had only fleeting physical contact with his father (two brief meetings over tea) while Meghan has not been in the same room as any members of the royal family since 2022. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Just ask Boy Meets World stars Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, who recently addressed their estrangement from longtime friend and former costar Ben Savage. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 The estrangement between the children of former couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their father continues. — Alessia Ferri, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026 Brandon Aiyuk’s recent emergence on social media now includes his bluntest message yet about a mysterious estrangement with the 49ers. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangement

Noun

In this attitude was a strange commingling of repugnance and desire, alienation and belonging, intimacy and coldness.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
Yet the men are wrenched apart, and the culprit seems to be nothing less than a hostile world, one marked by material scarcity and insurmountable alienation.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of alienation

Noun

That amount is roughly one-fifth of what Scott has donated since the divorce, while she’s given away about 40% of her fortune, making her one of the most generous philanthropists in the world.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Jolie and Pitt married in 2014 and filed for divorce in 2016.

— Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of divorce

Noun

The Vatican said dialogue was offered to the group ahead of the schism and that the step of ordaining bishops without ⁠church approval was considered so grave that excommunication was automatic.

— Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

Here, as ever, Kokopeli suggests that clinging to youthful talismans offers no protection against uncertainty, and reasserts the odd mix of disaffection and morbid glee produced by such reactionary impulses.

— Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Showing the disaffection for politics and partisanship in this modern era, each of the last five midterm elections have seen presidents with ratings below 50%.

— Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 May 2026

Definition of disaffection

Noun

The 45-second clip features Oasis’ rowdy crowds and hints at rehearsal footage as Noel and Liam Gallagher talk about their reunion years after Oasis’ acrimonious breakup.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2026
The track is about cautiously opening yourself up to a new relationship after a painful breakup, finding comfort in someone who appreciates the very qualities a former partner criticized.

— Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of breakup

Noun

The traditional route through the middle of Hormuz, known as the traffic separation scheme, remains too dangerous for ships to use due to the threat of mines, Larsen said.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Beyond military missions Military operators could use the software to distinguish routine orbital activity from potentially suspicious behavior, including satellite maneuvers, separation events, and close-proximity operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of separation

Noun

The altercation with Amarilla and the ongoing rift with Le Pen show that his identity remains up for political debate.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
His assertive foreign policy made Qatar a key mediator from Darfur to Gaza, while backing Islamists and hosting Taliban talks deepened rifts with neighbors and Western partners.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of rift

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“Estrangement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangement. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of estrangement

noun

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