estrange

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

Examples 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 Astrid — having been estranged from her mother, Lydia (Winona Ryder), since the divorce and death of her father Richard (Santiago Cabrera) — reluctantly joins the Deetz family on a trip to Winter River, Connecticut in order to bury her grandpa Charles Deetz. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Sep. 2024 For the first time since their mother’s death, the three estranged King sisters return home for the holidays. EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton play estranged friends in The Room Next Door. Claire Cohen, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2024 Tony was estranged from his children throughout their lives and was often absent during their childhoods. Ale Russian, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estrange 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange
Verb
  • Jackson showed little remorse for the victims of his violent attacks, which infuriated McManus.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Why was their public support for their son and other families like theirs so infuriating to many conservative Christians? Gushee, the Christian ethicist, has a theory.
    John Blake, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • This detachment can alienate customers, particularly those struggling with technology or those in vulnerable communities, like the elderly or disabled.
    Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Trump has won voters who once voted for FDR, and Democrats will anguish over how to get them back without alienating the other parts of their coalition, including women, young people and people of color.
    Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Since then Christie’s sold off Sly Stallone’s GMC, which seems to have angered Patek CEO Thierry Stern.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Four years later, when their acting high priest left, Book was angered to be pressured into taking on his responsibilities without the ability to take on the title of High Priest.
    Emma Cieslik, Them, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Verb
  • Lo hurls enraged texts and emails at my lawyer, and also at John, the location manager.
    Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The firestorm has enraged Netanyahu’s political opponents and families of the hostages.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The remark outraged conservatives, even as the White House disputed the interpretation of what the president meant.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Vance is equally fluent in the language of the national élite, and therefore knows how to get the national media to cover his crazy theories, and how to get national people outraged by them.
    David Fontana, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Meanwhile, enthusiasm for Harris has soured among black voters in Pennsylvania, a state both presidential campaigns have said is critical to winning the election.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024
  • Even the most devout relationships can sour over money.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Police say Carmona-Garcia died from blood loss after his leg was completely severed in the crash.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The pot shattered, severing tissue and nerves in Treinen’s thumb.
    Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near estrange

Cite this Entry

“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on estrange

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