Definition of estrangenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estrange contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

When could alienate be used to replace estrange?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When would disaffect be a good substitute for estrange?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 estrange Specifically, a present-day young poet recreates for our eyes his Cuban American family, set in 2001 Miami, which he had been estranged from until recently. — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Thomas has been estranged from the organization for months over a social media faux pas that bothered him and a lawsuit over sales of his jersey. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 Created by Lauren Iungerich, Poser is a thriller in which two estranged former best friends get caught up in a psychological game after one gets the life she’s always coveted. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 The most auspicious absence was Kanye West, Jay’s estranged former protégé, who is arguably the only other solo rapper who could draw crowds of this size. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estrange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange
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
Verb
  • Her portrayal is buoyant and curious, both attuned to and alienated from Mi-ok’s hopes and desires, whether emotional or erotic or material.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Driven by a lifelong dream of stardom, she was known for her powerhouse vocals and drive, but often alienated peers with her ego.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
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
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
Verb
  • Viral videos have led to outrage online, with many commenters arguing that visitors were more interested in taking photos than enjoying the mountains, Fox News Digital previously reported.
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said he was outraged by the recordings and had spoken to the injured man, Ricardo Gonzalez, who is a former longtime city employee.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But as sudden as the ascent was, the mood going into the new season has by some measures already soured.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Ongoing inflation has eroded Americans' incomes and soured most consumers on the economy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Her left hand was nearly severed by a gunshot, and her right arm was struck as well.
    — Gene Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • One was Larry Page, the 53-year-old Google cofounder who had ties to California for decades and began severing them after the wealth tax proposal.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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