Definition of alienatenext

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 Trump's decision to cancel the signing could possibly alienate Republicans who were hoping to present this legislative victory to voters ahead of the midterm elections. Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 June 2026 The split in the MAGA movement between Shapiro and others in the online right is real, and could alienate a portion of the audience that may pass on subscribing or paying the Daily Wire for its consumer products like Jeremy’s Chocolates. Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 But despite the obvious positives, the league seems to be committed to alienating as many fans as possible by allowing overt political messages. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026 What is rarely acknowledged is how alienating — and old school! Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week.
    Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026
  • The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • But rather than cede ground to an outsider, the town's residents plant TNT in every single structure, blowing them up before Lassiter can get his hands on them.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
  • The Microsoft 365 Copilot AI assistant has yet to gain anything approaching ubiquity in the business world, and the GitHub Copilot coding agent has ceded market share to newer players.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The mayor floated the idea to place Williams on probation for six months, angering the city manager’s supporters in the crowd.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • All the spending on the national events angers one supervisor at a Florida airport.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • This unvarnished, no-nonsense authenticity helps explain Aguirre’s relatability with players and his ability to convey his instructions.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Impressive statistics that, in no way, fully conveyed how thoroughly the second-year guard out of Florida dominated the Lakers on Friday.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Most weddings have some logistical drama — exes with grudges, estranged former besties, etc.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
  • The pair have reportedly been in contact since, though Harry still appears to be estranged from his brother Prince William.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Willow Nightingale relinquished the championship in May due to a shoulder injury that also forced her out of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, leading AEW to create this match to crown a new champion.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But for Iran, reopening the strait does not mean relinquishing control of it.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite his concessions to the SSPX, Francis enraged many Catholic traditionalists by reversing Benedict's relaxation on celebrating the old Latin Mass for the broader Catholic Church.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • The story enraged campus and district officials and played a role in Stapleton’s ousting, despite a later retraction.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The man — identified by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson — fled on foot, pursued by Memphis police officers along with Tennessee National Guard soldiers who are assigned to the area.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 5 July 2026
  • Around the same time, Sullivan, who was assigned male at birth, began questioning her gender identity.
    Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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