as in schisms
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 estrangements
The couple, who did not grow up knowing one another because of estrangements in their families, faced criticism from both sets of parents for the union.
—
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film blends sharp humor with aching self-reflection as the pair navigates a whirlwind of public tributes, old grudges and family estrangements, forcing both men to confront the choices, compromises and identities that have defined their lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film blends sharp humor with aching self-reflection as the pair navigates a whirlwind of public tributes, old grudges and family estrangements, forcing both men to confront the choices, compromises and identities that have defined their lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangements
Noun
-
The band’s success was stymied by internal schisms, as Negron’s addiction to drugs eventually landed him on Skid Row for a time.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 Feb. 2026
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Yet even within conservative or liberal groups, there are signs that each one would eventually emerge with the same types of schisms that exist today.—
Sheldon Jacobson,
Twin Cities,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The raid drew criticism over family separations.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Employee separations are scheduled to begin on March 27.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Wednesday, from lawmakers' rifts over ICE reforms to an ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mother.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
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Despite the recent overheated rhetoric and both real and apparent rifts and shifts between the States and Europe, the routine fashion-weeks encampments of the makers and their clients from all walks of life exhibit a rock-solid stability.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, Moscow escalated its attacks on Ukraine's power grid in an apparent effort to deny civilians power and to weaken public support for the war, while hostilities continued along the roughly 600-mile front line snaking through eastern and southern parts of Ukraine.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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Russia appears to be aiming to deny civilians power and weaken public support for the fight, while hostilities continue along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine.—
EMMA BURROWS,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Estrangements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangements. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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