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

Relevance

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 But her all-for-one methods have alienated fellow activists. —

hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 For blind visitors, this can feel alienating—a barrier to connecting with the history and culture behind those glass cases. —

M. Leona Godin, AFAR Media, 3 Jan. 2025 But his unpredictability and his threats of a trade war could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions and alienate former allies. —

Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 30 Dec. 2024 But any prolonged Israeli occupation risks alienating Syrians and providing Iran with a pretext to reactivate its anti-Israel agenda in Syria. —

Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

Less infuriating to the host and showrunner were the two Survivor winners in the cast: Parvati Shallow and David Genat (who triumphed in the Australian version of the franchise).

EW.com, EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Mod and Woodall are stars, and the show itself is tender, romantic, joyful, infuriating, and so easy to get swept up in.

refinery29.com, refinery29.com, 27 Dec. 2024