Definition of estrangenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb estrange contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

When could alienate be used to replace estrange?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When would disaffect be a good substitute for estrange?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 estrange Rodgers was estranged from his family for years The rift between Rodgers and his family went public in 2016, during Jordan’s season of The Bachelorette. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Since his 2016 split from ex-wife Angelina Jolie, Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt has been estranged from their six children—Maddox, 24; Pax, 22; Zahara, 21; Shiloh, 20; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 18. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026 Pitt is reportedly estranged from most of his children, according to People. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 13 July 2026 The pair have reportedly been in contact since, though Harry still appears to be estranged from his brother Prince William. Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for estrange
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange
Verb
  • Sami Zayn, who had recently lost the title, was visibly infuriated by Owens' unexpected return and victory, even injuring Owens' neck during the intense bout.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • This centralized approach has increasingly alienated both confederations and FIFA’s own administration.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Trump pushed legal limits with boat strikes, alienating allies, but traffickers adapted.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • The receptionist angers Kripke and Bert so much that they are picked up by the police — along with Stuart, who had also been arrested.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The strategy has also angered China, which has demanded that Manila rein in the Coast Guard spokesman who leads it.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Fauci pleaded the Fifth a number of times, which appears to have enraged a lot of people.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
  • The only reliable way to reach mainstream or even moderate recognition against all the noise is to either carpet-bomb social media with clips or to enrage wide swaths of the public.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Community outraged over shooting Over the past few days, a vigil was held to grieve the teenager before he was identified and protesters marched in the city’s downtown to stand in solidarity with Williams’ family and call for accountability.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Progress threatened by 'stomach-churning' politics Leaders at the Joyful Heart Foundation were outraged by the funding threats.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool reign began with a win here in Nashville, but Joe Gomez’s injury soured their 4-2 victory over Sunderland at Geodis Park.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Camilla and Diana’s relationship eventually soured after Diana began to think—correctly—that Charles and Camilla had deeper feelings for one another than just longtime friends.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Undisciplined conflict produces resentment and paralysis, and leaves our relationships weak or severed entirely.
    Frederick J. Ryan, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Historically, worker pay grew with productivity, but this link severed post-1970s, causing the minimum wage's real value to hit a 77-year low.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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