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 Trump’s use of a global trade war to alienate friends and abuse neighbors, and his spats with allies over the fates of Greenland and Ukraine, seem to have left room for Xi to grow his power. —

Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 The sweeping breadth of the trade probes also risks alienating partners and squandering the goodwill needed to forge a collective response to address Chinese industrial overcapacity, according to experts. —

Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026 Santi learns Suwa is alienated from his family by their transphobia and homophobia. —

Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 This kind of talk is also politically foolish and risks alienating the many Americans who already distrust this war. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

Granular, often infuriating descriptions like that one are ultimately what make Hail Mary sing.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Kline was frustrated and even infuriated by the military's past reluctance.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Definition of infuriate

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alien

alienate

alienated

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“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 21 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of alienate

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