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 And where else—as several people pointed out to me in the course of reporting this story—do Americans estranged from each other manage to find common ground? —

Maya Singer, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025 He’s been IDed as Blake Kersten, a loner who was estranged from his family after his parents kicked him out at 17 for being gay. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 Since then, they have been estranged from the family. —

Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025 Suri has seemingly dropped Tom's last name and is reportedly estranged from her father. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for estrange

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange

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