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

Example 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 Are there fans or sponsors who might be alienated by the players’ outspoken stance on social issues? —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025 But trying to ice out your friends’ daughter will just alienate them. —

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025 In the end, President Emmanuel Macron installed a conservative government in September, alienating political factions to the left and right. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 His high profile support for polarizing politicians in the United States and abroad has raised concerns about possibly alienating liberal car buyers who might be more interested in buying an EV than car buyers as a whole. —

Chris Isidore, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

The final minutes of Arizona’s 81-72 victory in Tempe on Saturday afternoon featured one head-butt, two ejections, ASU players in the locker room before the final buzzer and infuriated coach Bobby Hurley refusing to shake hands with his counterpart, Tommy Lloyd.

— Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Its stock price tumbled, infuriating shareholders and catching the attention of regulators concerned about a lack of disclosure.

— Daisuke Wakabayashi, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025