as in alienation
the loss of friendship or affection
a silly quarrel that eventually resulted in a complete and lasting estrangement between the onetime friends
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Recent Examples of estrangement
This estrangement is further complicated by the widening regional confrontation with Iran.
—
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
The Beckhams, who sold their crash pad in One Museum Tower in downtown Miami, but maintain a spec house in Miami Beach, are said to be heartbroken about the estrangement.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
For some, the reason behind such estrangements might seem clear to both parties.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Out of the shadow of Jesse’s big personality, Michelle is opening up this season, first with her heartbreaking estrangement from her father and now with her grieving process for her mother.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Accusations of emotional abuse are a common reason for family estrangement, said Lucy Blake, a psychologist and family estrangement researcher from the United Kingdom.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 7 May 2026
But what these books have in common—apart from the telling fact that both are narrated by female characters—is a powerful estrangement from the structures of ordinary life.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
By vulnerably sharing his journey of estrangement and analyzing its errors and successes, Dolan crafts a helpful roadmap, rife with both personal and expert advice.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026
The Beckhams, who sold their crash pad in One Museum Tower in downtown Miami, but maintain a spec house in Miami Beach, are said to be heartbroken about the estrangement.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
For some, the reason behind such estrangements might seem clear to both parties.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Out of the shadow of Jesse’s big personality, Michelle is opening up this season, first with her heartbreaking estrangement from her father and now with her grieving process for her mother.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Accusations of emotional abuse are a common reason for family estrangement, said Lucy Blake, a psychologist and family estrangement researcher from the United Kingdom.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 7 May 2026
But what these books have in common—apart from the telling fact that both are narrated by female characters—is a powerful estrangement from the structures of ordinary life.
—James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
By vulnerably sharing his journey of estrangement and analyzing its errors and successes, Dolan crafts a helpful roadmap, rife with both personal and expert advice.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangement
Noun
-
According to experts who both defend and criticize the theory, parental alienation is rejected by psychiatry's diagnostic bodies, including the American Psychiatric Association, and is usually used in courtroom settings to reject claims of abuse.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
-
Fifth Attempt Any great literature comes from a place of alienation; there’s a reason that the modern novel was invented by gay men.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
Between a relationship scandal, a divorce bombshell and a controversial audio leak, the cast of the Bravo reality show has been mired in headlines since wrapping filming of its most recent season last August.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
Kidman and Urban filed for divorce in September 2025, with the case finalized in January.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Political analysts say the political fallout from the food co-op debate reflects a broader and widening schism over Israel among Democratic voters, especially progressive Jewish Democrats.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
-
There’s a schism in America’s drug business, playing out in punchy direct messages, feisty group chats, and the occasional heated in-person exchange.—
Damian Garde,
STAT,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Showing the disaffection for politics and partisanship in this modern era, each of the last five midterm elections have seen presidents with ratings below 50%.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
9 May 2026
-
Our hypothetical ambitious fifteen-year-old is exceptional, of course, and certainly not the bellwether for today’s disaffection about higher education.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Though not necessarily in it for the long haul, iconic pairings like Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt or Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake captured the attention of millions around the world—as did their breakups.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
23 May 2026
-
The breakup of The Vision should happen sooner rather than later, but that remains to be seen.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
After the cheese has thawed, give it a gentle stir or mix to help restore its creamy consistency if any separation occurred.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
25 May 2026
-
These funds will support the development of a pilot-scale rare earth element (REE) separation plant.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
This whole mess is causing a rift between the boys.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
25 May 2026
-
Today, there is an undeniable rift between young American Jews towards Israel that stems from the very issue and the lack of serious discussion regarding the issue.—
Samuel S. Flax,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Estrangement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangement. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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