DISAFFECTION Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

disaffection

noun

Definition of disaffection

as in estrangement

the loss of friendship or affection widespread disaffection with the governor's administration in its final year

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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 disaffection Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, said France is suffering from a crisis of liberal democracy, a crisis of fiscal mismanagement, and a crisis of youth disaffection. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 Older liberals see it as an expression of generational disaffection. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 That sense of political disaffection may underscore a growing challenge for both Republicans and Democrats moving forward as both try to repair ties with this generation. — Elena Moore, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 Advanced robotics and a rapid rollout of AI should counter the shrinking workforce, while creating enough new jobs to keep youth disaffection at bay. — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 In Mike Nichols’ 1967 comedy of disaffection, Hoffman originated the role that Rhys played onstage, so the snub was startling. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Certainly both sides do seem to be capitalizing on the same sense of disaffection with government. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Such growing disaffection is not a one-way street, with American approval of Britain dropping by 15% in the past five years. — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 But as each new generation gets further away from the novel’s original milieu and the image of Holden Caulfield has become shorthand for privileged disaffection, its necessity in curricula has been questioned. — Adam Messinger, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaffection

Noun

William has largely remained silent about the brothers' estrangement and has not publicly expressed a desire to repair their relationship.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
On his book tour, Collin also discussed his estrangement from most of his siblings and the negative effects of child fame on his life.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of estrangement

Noun

On his latest, Young’s major-key meditations on love and alienation are as winsome as a bay breeze, if occasionally as insubstantial.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
Western alienation and grievances against Ottawa date back decades, including to the administrations of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau's father, during the 1970s and 1980s.

— Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of alienation

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disaffecting

disaffection

disaffections

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

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Synonyms of disaffection

noun

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