ESTRANGE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

estrange

verb

i-ˈstrānj

Definition of estrange next

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring she estranged several of her coworkers when she let her promotion go to her head

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Case also reads a Modern Love essay about the complex heartbreak that comes with being estranged from a parent with an addiction, and the joys of finding love and acceptance in the wake of that pain. —

Anna Martin, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 What to Know Le Pen reached the second round of the 2002 French presidential election, but was later estranged from his daughter, Marine Le Pen. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 But the Old Globe’s production of the ensemble piece, in which estranged siblings reunite to settle their late father’s Arkansas estate, left me agape in its brilliant indictment of how white Americans (do or don’t) deal directly with their historical legacies. —

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025 Adopt a New Family on Facebook Today A goat farmer in rural Minnesota, estranged from her biological children, finds new purpose as a surrogate grandparent. —

Kat Merck, WIRED, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for estrange

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange

Verb

The final minutes of Arizona’s 81-72 victory in Tempe on Saturday afternoon featured one head-butt, two ejections, ASU players in the locker room before the final buzzer and infuriated coach Bobby Hurley refusing to shake hands with his counterpart, Tommy Lloyd.

— Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Its stock price tumbled, infuriating shareholders and catching the attention of regulators concerned about a lack of disclosure.

— Daisuke Wakabayashi, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025