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
  • Set in 1986, the story follows two brothers, Irwin and Gary Pearl, whose get-rich scheme to help clean up the Gowanus Canal ends in disaster after Irwin (Teller), a nebbish family man, angers Russian mobsters by unwittingly witnessing their criminal activity.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The delay angered rural Republicans, who wanted to see the farm bill passed.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Patel hasn’t been reluctant to fight back against reporting that displeases him.
    David Bauder, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Brown, 28, would leave Philadelphia after being displeased with his production and the performance of the Eagles’ offense, which employed five different coordinators in as many years.
    Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rising gas prices and an unpopular war in Iran have infuriated prominent MAGA figures online, but in terms of GOP elections, the president has been able to elbow out critics in Congress and disobedient legislators in red states.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026
  • Georgia Supreme Court challenger Jen Jordan infuriates Republicans with a new fundraising email.
    Adam Beam, AJC.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s what so annoys Erika at some point.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
  • But if creases annoy you, look elsewhere.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Colbert wasn’t looking to alienate crowds.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • In the case of technology adoption, moving too quickly could jeopardize business continuity, alienate teams and generate adverse outcomes.
    Eddy Azad, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • After a series of coups by officers dissatisfied with lagging counterterrorism efforts, juntas in the three countries booted France altogether, establishing close ties with Russia instead.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
  • Democrats: No evidence of 'imminent threat' Democrats came away from their conversations with Rubio and other top administration officials woefully dissatisfied.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Authorities have not determined a possible motive in the shooting; the men had been estranged for at least three years, Santa Clara Police Department Chief Cory Morgan said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
  • Brooke, who had been estranged from her dad for years leading up to his death, shared a lengthy Instagram post paying tribute, but also shared insights into what their relationship looked like.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Kris Rogers is a Land Park community advocate outraged by the new program, which allows needle exchanges in a mobile RV positioned within several library branch parking lots.
    Steve Large, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • But the video, which came out three weeks ago, has outraged many of the business class.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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