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

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 After All follows the journey of Ellen (played by Erika Christensen), a woman who returns home to care for her ailing mother and estranged teenage daughter. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 In many of the cases NBC News uncovered, the people whose bodies went unclaimed were homeless, struggling with drug addiction or estranged from their families. —

Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024 According to our research, today, 1 in 2 adults is estranged from a close relative. —

Joshua Coleman and Will Johnson, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024 Haunted by his violent past and estranged from his son Mike (Joel Kinnaman), Jimmy is forced back into action when his old boss Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris) turns against him. —

Travis Bean, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estrange

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange

Verb

The proposals infuriated members of the Freedom Caucus, many of whom had engaged in those kind of rebellious actions over the past two years.

— Emily Brooks, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
And coming around once every four years to beg for votes is both insulting and infuriating.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025