DISAFFECT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disaffect

verb

ˌdis-ə-ˈfekt

Definition of disaffect

as in to anger

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring the candidate tried to win over disaffected voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to displease

to make discontented the troops were disaffected by the extension of their tours of duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Though many fans have turned their backs on the mope-rocker for his baffling anti-immigrant stance, many more have tucked their heads into the sand to hold onto the moody, disaffected lyrics that so explained our teenaged selves to us. — Michelle Tea, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 Mar. 2023 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

No commercial goods have entered the Gaza Strip for two days, Israeli authorities said Thursday, blaming the suspension on merchants angered by taxes imposed by the militant group Hamas — a claim that Palestinian importers deny.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The dispute over the report, which tackled an issue close to Weiss, forced CBS News to delay promotion of the episode and angered Stahl, who felt compelled to defend her reporting at a late stage of production.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

Some preservationists were displeased with the demolition, especially because Charlotte hasn’t necessarily been kind to its historic buildings.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
The sickly scent of alcohol filled the air and, when mixed with accompanying cigar smoke, combined for an odor most might find displeasing.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of displease

Verb

Trip isn’t the standout role, but Keery handles the character’s exasperated monologues with panache, turning self-defense and infuriated straight-talk into acts of exhilarating sanity.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Cummings said that in January 2021, a friend of Birchmore’s called Stoughton police and told a dispatcher about the illicit relationship, infuriating Farwell.

— Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

The British tabloid the Daily Mail reported that Guilfoyle had alienated staff with questionable behavior.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
In my assessment, this approach could alienate moderates, progressives and LGBTQ+ people more broadly.

— Dorian Rhea Debussy, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of alienate

Verb

My mom’s family has been estranged my whole life and generations back before that.

— Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026
The mother and son had been estranged for years, and Collin eventually moved in with his father, Jon, after his parents’ 2009 divorce.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of estrange

Verb

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said he was outraged by the recordings and had spoken to the injured man, Ricardo Gonzalez, who is a former longtime city employee.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
While we are relieved that Heidi has received medical care and is safe, we are outraged by this unwarranted attack on a journalist doing her job and urge a thorough investigation and follow-through from authorities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of outrage

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disadvantages

disaffect

disaffected

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“Disaffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaffect. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of disaffect

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