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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Recent Examples of estrangement
Capitalist tactics—repetition, decontextualization, estrangement—were put in service of their literal-minded appropriations.
—
Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Local authorities recovered his body from the Okanogan River in Washington state on Saturday, May 30, days after his family shared their belief that Matt ended his own life after a history with substance abuse and estrangement from his family.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Later that year, Collin spoke about his estrangement from his siblings in a TikTok live video.
—Esther Kang, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
The shows tackle stories about murder, deceit, grief, familial estrangement, presidential assassinations, and complex mental health diagnoses — and all have found captive audiences on the streamer over the last year.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026
An adult child navigating estrangement.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
This estrangement is further complicated by the widening regional confrontation with Iran.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
There is zero estrangement going on with the bride’s side of the family, however.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
For some, the reason behind such estrangements might seem clear to both parties.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Local authorities recovered his body from the Okanogan River in Washington state on Saturday, May 30, days after his family shared their belief that Matt ended his own life after a history with substance abuse and estrangement from his family.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Later that year, Collin spoke about his estrangement from his siblings in a TikTok live video.
—Esther Kang, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
The shows tackle stories about murder, deceit, grief, familial estrangement, presidential assassinations, and complex mental health diagnoses — and all have found captive audiences on the streamer over the last year.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026
An adult child navigating estrangement.
—Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
This estrangement is further complicated by the widening regional confrontation with Iran.
—Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
There is zero estrangement going on with the bride’s side of the family, however.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
For some, the reason behind such estrangements might seem clear to both parties.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangement
Noun
-
This deeply affecting memoir, which is strung like a wire between the alienation of the assembly line and the dignifying promise of literature, documents his experience.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Mark Kostabi, the American artist whose stylised, mannequin-like figures explore themes of isolation and alienation in the age of technology, is another recurring presence.—
Jamie Timson,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Graphix, June 2 Recommended for ages 9-12 Longtime stepsisters Kenzie and Quinn are closer than close—but with their parents considering divorce, the girls face the awful possibility of being separated.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
One family law attorney noted to Forbes that children of divorce also stand out among couples seeking prenup advice.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
As the country heads toward a national election, the leader once celebrated as a healer is now viewed by critics as the main driver of these schisms.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
Whether or not there was ever actually a schism, the rumor mill was confident and uninformed.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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
Noun
-
It’s represented by Belle Burden’s bestselling, breakup-with-your-husband memoir Strangers.—
Cami Fateh,
Vogue,
2 June 2026
-
The FedEx-FedEx Freight breakup is complete , with shareholders receiving 1 share of FDXF for every 2 shares of FDX owned.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Today, there’s a clear line of separation in prestige between a CFP appearance and a bowl invitation.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
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Across the tri-service medical corps, encompassing the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the rate of recruitment has consistently struggled to keep pace with separations.—
Robert Krasner,
STAT,
1 June 2026
Noun
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While no specific reason for the apparent snub was provided to the outlet, the move follows months of speculation about a rift between Swift and the Tellers.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
1 June 2026
-
Fans have also picked up on a deepening rift between Paul, Draper and several other members of the cast, and the MomTok members have traded increasingly fiery shots across social media.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Estrangement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangement. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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