as in schisms
the loss of friendship or affection
a silly quarrel that eventually resulted in a complete and lasting estrangement between the onetime friends
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Recent Examples of estrangements
For some, the reason behind such estrangements might seem clear to both parties.
—
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
The couple, who did not grow up knowing one another because of estrangements in their families, faced criticism from both sets of parents for the union.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film blends sharp humor with aching self-reflection as the pair navigates a whirlwind of public tributes, old grudges and family estrangements, forcing both men to confront the choices, compromises and identities that have defined their lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
The couple, who did not grow up knowing one another because of estrangements in their families, faced criticism from both sets of parents for the union.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film blends sharp humor with aching self-reflection as the pair navigates a whirlwind of public tributes, old grudges and family estrangements, forcing both men to confront the choices, compromises and identities that have defined their lives.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrangements
Noun
-
Given the schisms, some in the GOP believe only a single party-line bill may end up passing before November.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But over the past decade or so, major schisms have emerged.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Councilmember Mai Vang said the Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment Department is one of the smallest departments in the city, yet faces a majority of the personnel separations.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Grade separations greatly improve safety by reducing the chance of collisions between trains and cars, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And whatever rifts had formed in his relationship with Altman were largely absent from social media.—
Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
The deeper the rifts between the United States and Europe over Iran, the greater the chances of weakening the NATO alliance.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The onset of hostilities was enough to persuade around a hundred and eighty Democrats to support the measure.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of repeatedly violating the pause in hostilities.—
Samya Kullab,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Estrangements.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrangements. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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