estrange

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estrange contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

When could alienate be used to replace estrange?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When would disaffect be a good substitute for estrange?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 estrange Lee Hsien Yang and his sister Lee Wei Ling, who died on Oct. 9, have been at odds with their brother Lee Hsien Loong, who was prime minister from 2004 until May this year, over what to do with their father’s home after his death in 2015, in a public spat that saw the siblings estranged. Reuters, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024 Our lives and expenses are completely entangled — even though we have been estranged for a long time. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 Mica and John-Paul, who is the pastor at Solid Rock at Market Common in Myrtle Beach, were estranged at the time of her death. Liam Quinn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Rousseau was estranged from one adult daughter and in only occasional contact with another. Judith Graham, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for estrange 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange
Verb
  • Gus was abusive towards her mother and that along with her mother’s acceptance of his behavior infuriated Nikki.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The practices, which increasingly rely on technology, including artificial intelligence, can infuriate patients and providers alike.
    Tami Luhby, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While grandiose leaders can inspire but alienate, vulnerable leaders may foster a tense, uncertain work environment.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • And preventing all crucial materials from reaching the U.S. would be difficult to enforce, considering the complex global supply chain, and might alienate other trade partners such as Taiwan or South Korea in the process.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The trip angered China, which claims Taiwan as its own.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
  • His amplification of Lee's viewpoints angered Social Security advocates.
    Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Verb
  • The source warned that Ernst would enrage Trump’s MAGA base if she’s viewed as the senator responsible for sinking Hegseth’s nomination.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Any incursion into Mexico would enrage a population still angered by U.S. invasions in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Without replacing them before the cold weather arrives, you could be left with a cold home, outrages energy expenses, and an HVAC system that breaks down from working overtime to regulate indoor temperatures.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Reactions to Hinckley's announcement ranged from cracking jokes to outrage that he has been released from prison.
    Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But his outlook began to sour in 2022, two years after joining OpenAI as a researcher.
    Jakob Rodgers, Chicago Tribune, 13 Dec. 2024
  • After the pandemic’s e-commerce boom, big spender expectations for this holiday season began to sour like spoiled eggnog when inflation entered the chat and the labor market softened.
    Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Herr had wondered whether the muscles severed in an amputation could be meaningfully connected again.
    Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
  • In a development that showed both an admission of making the wrong hire and a willingness to quickly pivot, Foster severed ties with Bieniemy on Thursday after their one season together produced across-the-board struggles on offense.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near estrange

Cite this Entry

“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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