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

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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 Hinchcliffe’s comment threatened to alienate at least some Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. —

Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 Republicans think the Vindman name alone — because of its association with that partisan impeachment — will alienate moderate voters to the benefit of the GOP candidate, Derrick Anderson, a former Army Green Beret. —

Mike Lillis, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024 This inflammatory rhetoric has alienated many in the District who use their Muslim faith to inform their voting, ostracized by one of their own. —

Suha Musa, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 By going on comedy podcasts, Walsh says, Trump risks alienating two types of voters: voters who wouldn’t vote for him if their lives depended on it, and voters who don’t like those podcasts. —

Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

Jackson showed little remorse for the victims of his violent attacks, which infuriated McManus.

Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
Why was their public support for their son and other families like theirs so infuriating to many conservative Christians? Gushee, the Christian ethicist, has a theory.

John Blake, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024