estranged

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.Lauren Zupkus

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The novel follows a young gay Black man named Davis who finds out at his wedding reception that his estranged father has been in a car accident, prompting a deeply personal reckoning. Sally Tamarkin, Them, 23 Dec. 2024 That channel was removed from YouTube after allegations surfaced against Franke’s estranged wife, Ruby Franke, who later pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony child abuse and is facing up to 60 years in prison. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2024 In what became arguably his signature role, Bruce Willis plays New York City cop John McClane who arrives in Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife at Christmas. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024 In this 2023 Netflix original, Charlotte reconnects with her estranged friend with the intention of finding out the truth: Could anyone's life actually be that amazing? EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estranged 

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near estranged

Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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