estranged

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.Lauren Zupkus

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In her heartfelt tribute on Father's Day, Alba shared a throwback snap of her estranged husband, 46, via her Instagram Stories to commemorate the special day. Kayla Grant, People.com, 21 July 2025 Today's talkers Denise Richards alleged abuse by estranged husband Aaron Phypers. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 July 2025 Detectives believe Centeno is the estranged husband of Cantor’s girlfriend, who was outraged that the two were dating, the source said. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025 Denise Richards has accused her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, of domestic abuse and death threats, among more allegations. Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for estranged

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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