estranged

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.Lauren Zupkus

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The rapper and former Pimp My Ride host recently filed paperwork seeking to have his divorce from estranged wife Krista Joiner legalized, allowing him to be recognized as a single man under the law. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Katy Perry and Gayle King kiss dirt after successful space flight Mo'Nique addresses Oprah Winfrey talk show drama with estranged family The all-female Blue Origin expedition courted a good deal of controversy, to the surprise of its participants. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025 In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Prosecutors told the court that Vallow Daybell had acted out of self-interest, not self-preservation, with plans to cash in on her estranged husband’s $1 million life insurance policy. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for estranged

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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