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 output could risk alienating casual fans, whose music consumption might be cannibalized by competing projects from members of the same group. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025 But that means anything that might alienate that senior scientist — like questioning the lab’s animal care protocols or experimental techniques — could place your job or even your scientific future at risk. Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025 Alongside his other political ventures—such as voicing support for far-right parties across Europe—this could alienate Tesla's customer base, which polling suggests leans to the left. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 His actions alienated many, particularly military leaders who could have better resisted the Mongol invasion. Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • Ford calls for export taxes on Canadian oil Trump’s trade war and his talk of making Canada the 51st U.S. state have infuriated Canadians, who are booing the American national anthem at NHL and NBA games.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Tennis is an infuriating sport, and most players, amateur or professional, will have experienced flashes of self-loathing.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There are consequences to Congress ceding wide swaths of its authority to a massive administration state.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Losing once again could see Barca cede its one point lead at the La Liga summit over Atletico Madrid, and three point advantage at the expense of bitter rival Real Madrid.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the video game, Abby pits herself against Joel, which also angered online gamers.
    Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The move, which directs the education secretary to go forward with revising a law passed by Congress, pleased some conservatives while angering student loan borrowers and advocates, who vowed to launch a court challenge.
    Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The doc uses all the simple, traditional tricks of the form, between talking head interviews and B-roll footage, but its aim to convey facts and figures first is perhaps its biggest strength.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This subtle shift not only conveys assertiveness but also acknowledges the other person's patience, working to your advantage.
    Melody Wilding, LMSW, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Christian and Brax, estranged for nearly a decade for reasons that still aren’t entirely clear, find their way back to one another through a series of charming encounters.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Dear Eric: My sister (85) and I (80) have been estranged for about five years.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Washington relinquished control of the waterway to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Fifty-seven children have been relinquished under under safe haven laws in Connecticut since 2001, according to public testimony to the Committee on Children.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That decision immediately enraged Venezuelans in South Florida who have temporary protections from deportation, who now fear they will be sent back to a nation that has suffered economic collapse under Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
  • During a town hall meeting on Thursday, Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) met with hundreds of attendees enraged over his support for DOGE, which is run by Trump appointee Elon Musk.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The quartet assigned to the SpaceX Crew-10 mission arrived to KSC having flown into the former space shuttle landing facility Thursday afternoon.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Here's an example: An AI assistant coach might analyze an employee group session and assign each employee a daily task that fosters long-term improvement.
    Kevin Korte, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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