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

Relevance

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

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 alienate As Janet navigates various interpersonal relationships without trying to totally alienate her kid, Janet Planet is sweet, sad, and tender to the point of feeling occasionally painful. —

David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 In Miami Beach this week, some blue-state gallerists in town for Art Basel struggled to find congenial ways to talk about the presidential election without alienating their affluent, increasingly conservative clientele. —

Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024 Encouraging people to alienate family and friends because of politics is hateful. —

Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024 While grandiose leaders can inspire but alienate, vulnerable leaders may foster a tense, uncertain work environment. —

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

Trump’s move effectively killed off Johnson’s bill, which was more than 1,500 pages long and included a number of concessions to Democrats that infuriated conservatives, rank-and-file GOP members and Elon Musk.

Al Weaver, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024
Clusters of unidentified drones buzzing the night skies over New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York have alarmed residents, infuriated members of Congress and prompted a call for a state of emergency in the Garden State.

Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024