estranged

1 of 2

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
Synonyms of estranged
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.—Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …—David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.—Lauren Zupkus

estranged

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of estrange

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Simon’s hospitalization unites his estranged parents, played by the always-nice-to-encounter Joaquina Kalukango and Jason Tam, who have differing opinions about whether to take him off life support. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 Police said the two were estranged spouses, and likely met for what was intended to be a civil conversation. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026 More ghosts from Hetty Woodstone’s (Rebecca Wisocky) past come back to haunt her in Thursday’s Ghosts Halloween special, which finally introduces audiences to her mustachioed and estranged sister Margaret (Maria Thayer). — Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 The midterm elections in Ohio have been roiled by Ramaswamy’s decision to bankroll an ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estranged

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

Phrases Containing estranged

Rhymes for estranged

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Browse Nearby Words

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estranged
estranged couple
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Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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