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
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There are still some trustbusters in the administration, especially at the FTC, which has avoided being pulled into messy lobbyist fights and White House schisms.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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The fracturing of the television audience parallels the schisms in America’s political culture, with viewers and voters increasingly sheltering in partisan echo chambers.—
Karrin Vasby Anderson,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the city proper, the agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division maintains a field office at 26 Federal Plaza — the scene of brutal separations, mass protests, and secret detention cells.—
Brendan O'Connor,
Curbed,
24 Feb. 2026
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McChrystal says the separations are a mistake and are affecting mission readiness -- one of the very values that Hegseth claims as a priority for his Department of War, amid several simmering global conflicts.—
Lauren Hodges,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The rifts among these friends—particularly between Lucas and Coppola—could be severe.—
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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The resolution would prohibit unauthorized military hostilities in Iran without congressional approval.—
Jolene Almendarez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Feb. 2026
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Outcome of this week’s indirect talks will be key to the direction of oil prices as traders weigh potential supply concerns if hostilities escalate.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Estrangements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangements. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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