Synonym Chooser

How does the verb alienate contrast with its synonyms?

The words disaffect and estrange are common synonyms of alienate. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When is it sensible to use disaffect instead of alienate?

The meanings of disaffect and alienate largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can estrange take the place of alienate?

Although the words estrange and alienate have much in common, 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 alienate Here technology onboards and recruits people to violence while alienating them from the impacts of war. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Higher import costs may force the company to raise prices, further alienating price-sensitive consumers already grappling with inflationary pressures. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 The protest was cheered by some liberals but infuriated more centrist lawmakers wary that the in-your-face demonstration could alienate moderate Republicans and independents in their battleground districts. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025 Weakening Israel's defense risks alienating Jewish and pro-Israel voters while fracturing the bipartisan consensus that has long defined U.S.-Israel relations. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alienate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate
Verb
  • Image On the left, the governor’s decision to engage with Mr. Kirk has infuriated Mr. Newsom’s allies.
    Laurel Rosenhall, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • For many out-of-network doctors, payments lower than their invoices are an infuriating part of doing business.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lindelof and Ugarte both looked uncomfortable against this, either resorting to aimless long balls or ceding possession in dangerous areas.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • What if this character’s eventual fate is not to hold on to her power, but to cede it to another?
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This week, President Donald Trump froze $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University, angering members of the Elbow Patch Mafia around America.
    Christian Schneider, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That meeting angered Israeli officials, and reportedly Dermer in particular.
    Alex Marquardt, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hess, in his earlier films, displayed a refined sense of comic timing, of scenes that hold long enough and are framed cannily enough to convey a sense of wondrous observation.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
  • What was important to you to convey about Saxon in that scene?
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While Yoon’s failure to deliver noticeable economic gains estranged this cohort, the manner of his removal still enrages his base, which has been galvanized by the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories on right-wing blogs and social media.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Daily Beast earlier reported that Giuffre has been estranged from her children since separating from her husband, Robert Giuffre, last year.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The New York congresswoman had relinquished her No. 4 leadership slot as House Republican Conference Chair since she had been named Trump’s UN pick, and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) was elected in her place.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Because these behavioral issues are not dissected, addressed or asked about during vet visits, many people relinquish their dogs to animal shelters.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rick is enraged, and finds Jim happily taking a photograph with his wife, Sritala (Lek Patravadi), and the three galpals on vacation.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • While Yoon’s failure to deliver noticeable economic gains estranged this cohort, the manner of his removal still enrages his base, which has been galvanized by the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories on right-wing blogs and social media.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, each garment or accessory is assigned one or two points.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to visas, international students are assigned records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alienate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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