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 next

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 The details of Trump’s deportation plans have also alienated some Latina/os and Asian Americans who voted for the president. —

Jane Hong / Made By History, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Some of them are big studio tentpoles; some of them are micro-budget doodles; some of them seem to alienate on purpose. —

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 This tactic has alienated some of the party's loyal voters, who have unregistered as Democrats in response. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025 However, the study also highlights that controversy works best when carefully managed; poorly executed publicity stunts—with no purpose or conviction at all values level—can alienate increasingly savvy consumers and erode trust. —

Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

Two roughing calls against the Houston Texans for hits on quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Saturday’s AFC Divisional game infuriated fans, although the NFL said the calls were correct.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2025
But some private firefighters offer their services to individuals, a practice that has shocked and infuriated many as its existence has entered the public eye.

— Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025