Definition of disaffectnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disaffect contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and estrange are common synonyms of disaffect. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," 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

When is alienate a more appropriate choice than disaffect?

While in some cases nearly identical to disaffect, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When can estrange be used instead of disaffect?

The words estrange and disaffect can be used in similar contexts, but 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 disaffect Sanders-Warren backers see Mr. Trump as a symptom of deeper woes, of the desperation of long-struggling voters disaffected by the recent economic prescriptions of both parties. Jacob M. Schlesinger, WSJ, 30 Jan. 2020 Yang has honed in on a message of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, touted the need for a nationwide universal basic income and boasted about his ability to reach voters who have become disaffected by national politics. Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2019 Dina Litovsky for The New York Times Here’s at least one sign that some young adults are disaffected with dating apps. Jennifer Miller, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2019 And that adds to its appeal for supporters disaffected from the moneyed elites who run the former British colony, organizers say. Christopher Bodeen, chicagotribune.com, 18 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for disaffect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaffect
Verb
  • Although this was not the first time Ticketmaster’s price surges had angered fans, the controversies reached a new peak just months later when botched ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour triggered widespread outrage and congressional scrutiny.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Fellow cast member Meghan King became skeptical of his symptoms and questioned his illness, which angered many of her costars — including Gunvalson.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The epitome of narcissism, demeaning and denigrating others upon their deaths (John McCain, Rob Reiner) who’ve displeased him is nothing new, but the Mueller post sinks to a new low.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • For the families of the disappeared, the festering grief from not knowing the fate of a son, brother or father was compounded by threats from authorities displeased with anyone scrutinizing their behavior.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The plaintiffs’ lawyers also have complained that delays infuriate their clients, who expect higher payouts as cases drag on.
    Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The liberal Democratic governor, whose strict gun control measures have long infuriated gun owners, this week filed a bill to allow Sunday hunting and expand crossbow hunting, long overdue moves that aimed to shore up one of her biggest weaknesses in an election year.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The platform’s staff has seemed minorly annoyed at the shots Denk and others at Beehiiv have taken as Substack has moved from disruptor to incumbent.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026
  • One who grew up respectful but annoyed by the success the league previously had in Seattle.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Governor Gavin Newsom cannot effectively intervene to pressure candidates to drop out without risking significant political damage, including potential embarrassment if his efforts fail and potentially alienating voters of color whose prominent candidates would likely be targets for exit.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Perfection alienates; wrongness invites.
    Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But that shift also dissatisfied school leaders, provoking protests ahead of a Jan. 20 Jefferson County Board of Education meeting.
    Kathryn Muchnick, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
  • That means there’s likely ample opportunities for mid-career professionals dissatisfied with the current state of their careers to expand their responsibilities in-house, and those chances may be best identified by superiors or colleagues in human resources.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By his account, this defining experience estranged him from his father and siblings.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • How to estrange—to imagine differently—our presence in such places?
    Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, the city’s largest police union, said last week that he was outraged by the manslaughter charge filed against O’Malley.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The bases outraged Osama bin Laden and contributed to all those years of terrorist attacks against Americans.
    Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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