ESTRANGE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'estrange' contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange . While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement. // his estranged wife

Q: When could 'alienate' be used to replace 'estrange'?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest. // managed to alienate all his coworkers

Q: When would 'disaffect' be a good substitute for 'estrange'?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

estrange

verb

i-ˈstrānj

Definition of estrange

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring she estranged several of her coworkers when she let her promotion go to her head

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb estrange contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and disaffect are common synonyms of estrange. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife

When could alienate be used to replace estrange?

The words alienate and estrange are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When would disaffect be a good substitute for estrange?

The words disaffect and estrange can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 estrange The bitter, disillusioned Tucker, estranged from his wife and young son because of his years of absence overseas, decides to round up the members of his old unit and embark on a mission to retrieve the money. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Harry and William have been estranged for years and their last public joint outing was at King Charles's coronation in May 2023. — Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Peter Hook, who is estranged from the rest of his bandmates, will be in attendance at the ceremony. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026 Harry’s return home also puts him back in closer proximity to family members from whom he has been estranged in recent years. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estrange

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange

Verb

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
His laserlike focus on the particulars of the story doesn’t leave much room for extrapolation; even the infuriating case of bureaucratic overreach that the film depicts can easily be understood, and perhaps even defended, as an aberration.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 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

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

Colombia opened an embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a major shift in relations with Israel after conservative President Abelardo de la Espriella restored diplomatic ties severed by his predecessor over the war in Gaza.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Fluorine is then released into the water as fluoride ions, while hydroxyl radicals and hydroxide ions help sever carbon-carbon bonds in the remaining molecular chains.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sever

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estivating

estrange

estranged

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

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Synonyms of estrange

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