DISAFFECTION Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

disaffection

noun

Definition of disaffection

as in estrangement

the loss of friendship or affection widespread disaffection with the governor's administration in its final year

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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 disaffection Older liberals see it as an expression of generational disaffection. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 For Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at Eurasia Group, France is suffering from a crisis of liberal democracy, a crisis of fiscal mismanagement, and a crisis of youth disaffection. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 That sense of political disaffection may underscore a growing challenge for both Republicans and Democrats moving forward as both try to repair ties with this generation. — Elena Moore, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 Advanced robotics and a rapid rollout of AI should counter the shrinking workforce, while creating enough new jobs to keep youth disaffection at bay. — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 In Mike Nichols’ 1967 comedy of disaffection, Hoffman originated the role that Rhys played onstage, so the snub was startling. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Certainly both sides do seem to be capitalizing on the same sense of disaffection with government. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Such growing disaffection is not a one-way street, with American approval of Britain dropping by 15% in the past five years. — Garret Martin, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 But as each new generation gets further away from the novel’s original milieu and the image of Holden Caulfield has become shorthand for privileged disaffection, its necessity in curricula has been questioned. — Adam Messinger, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaffection

Noun

Feel an estrangement like a ventriloquist’s hand in the dressing room after an intense set.

— Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
The rumor mill is still spinning about Prince Harry and Prince William’s estrangement, with a new report suggesting that Harry’s still eager to repair their relationship.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of estrangement

Noun

At the rally, Carney also acknowledged the grievances that have fueled alienation in Alberta.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Unlike Gregor Samsa who is confined to his room after transforming into a huge insect, the protagonist still has to go to work, a dark and bleak absurdity that lays bare the alienation, isolation, and hypocrisy of modern life.

— Deadline, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of alienation

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disaffecting

disaffection

disaffections

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

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Synonyms of disaffection

noun

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