Synonyms of alienate

alienate

verb

ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt 

1

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

• infuriate
• anger
• estrange
• enrage
• annoy
• alien
• outrage
• sour
• disaffect
• antagonize
• disappoint
• irritate
• sever
• aggravate
• divide
• embitter
• disgruntle
• bother
• enflame
• rile
• split
• inflame
• dissociate
• rankle
• exasperate
• disunite
• disillusion
• irk
• roil
• separate
• uncouple
• incense
• sunder
• vex
• disenchant
• madden
• unlink
• envenom
• pique
• unyoke
• chafe
• bug
• break up
• grate
• gall
• peeve
• nettle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reconcile
• appease
• placate
• endear
• disarm
• pacify
• ingratiate
• conciliate
• mollify
• propitiate

2

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

• cede
• convey
• relinquish
• assign
• transfer
• bequeath
• lend
• donate
• alien
• dispose of
• will
• leave
• deed
• pass (down)
• move
• entrust
• contribute
• rent
• lease
• grant
• make over
• bestow
• loan
• transmit
• present
• commend
• confer
• surrender
• pass
• trust
• commit
• yield
• turn in
• deliver
• vest
• hand down
• consign
• let
• release
• turn over
• intrust
• hand over

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of alienate

Some experts said that could alienate older generations who aren’t as tech savvy, disabled Americans who may also rely on disability payments or people from rural communities. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

Plus, there is also concern the introduction of new identification policies that require people to come to field offices or access information online instead of utilizing phone calls, something that could alienate older generations or people from rural communities. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Mar. 2025

When a competitor makes a move that alienates their loyal customers, smart marketers pounce. —Roger Dooley, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

After deciding to deny her transness (which in turn alienates Abigail), Erica is miserable and exhausted. —Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025