ALIENATE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'alienate' contrast with its synonyms?

The words disaffect and estrange are common synonyms of alienate . While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest. // managed to alienate all his coworkers

Q: When is it sensible to use 'disaffect' instead of 'alienate'?

The meanings of disaffect and alienate largely overlap; however, disaffect refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (such as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation. // troops disaffected by hunger

Q: In what contexts can 'estrange' take the place of 'alienate'?

Although the words estrange and alienate have much in common, estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement. // his estranged wife

alienate

verb

ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt

Definition of alienate

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring her changed position on the issue surprised and alienated many of her supporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cede

to give over the legal possession or ownership of landowners have a right to alienate their right of ownership—in other words, they can sell the land if they want to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expropriate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb alienate contrast with its synonyms?

The words disaffect and estrange are common synonyms of alienate. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When is it sensible to use disaffect instead of alienate?

The meanings of disaffect and alienate largely overlap; however, disaffect refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (such as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation.

troops disaffected by hunger

In what contexts can estrange take the place of alienate?

Although the words estrange and alienate have much in common, estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

Example Sentences

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 alienate Jolly, who is white, faces the challenge of appealing to a broad electorate while avoiding actions that could alienate Black voters. — Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 Physicality presents technical challenges to audio recording, and wit—primarily achievable by coming up with lots of ideas in advance—quickly becomes alienating in a casual setting. — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Wright said Rogers’ decision to invoke terrorism during the debate could also alienate voters who prefer a more measured approach. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 However, its premise also illustrates the very ideological hypocrisy that has alienated much of the public from the press. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

The lack of action has infuriated abuse survivors and their advocates.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
Life was crazy and the entertainment business was weird and journalism was infuriating.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

Data center demand began driving up electric bills last year across a 13-state electricity grid stretching from Illinois to New Jersey and Maryland, angering ratepayers.

— Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Indeed, the survey showed that use of the horn is the most common action when drivers consider another driver to be annoying or angering them.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

Moghadam, speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, said that Iranian officials had conveyed their willingness to reopen the strait during visits to Tehran by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Muni r, provided Washington ended its blockade.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of convey

Verb

Although dozens of islands were claimed through this process, the overwhelming bulk of these claims were relinquished in the late 20th century as the island countries of Oceania began to achieve independence.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
But the pro-Israel lobby is not relinquishing its political power, evidenced by its move to give more than $9 million to support Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race.

— Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of relinquish

Verb

They were enraged at the way the current administration had decimated progressive policies toward children, women, people of color, gay people and transgender people.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The administration removed hundreds of trees from the East Potomac Golf Links over the weekend, enraging the judge.

— Julia Boehning, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of enrage

Verb

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the vaccine with pembrolizumab or placebo injections alongside the immune treatment.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Students were randomly assigned to the roles of guards or inmates, with the guards pressured to maintain order by any means necessary.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of assign

Browse Nearby Words

alien

alienate

alienated

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“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of alienate

verb

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