ESTRANGEMENT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

estrangement

noun

Definition of estrangement

as in alienation

the loss of friendship or affection a silly quarrel that eventually resulted in a complete and lasting estrangement between the onetime friends

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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 estrangement 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 Musk has tied his own attitudes on transgender rights to his estrangement from one of his children, who is a transgender woman. — Lisa Hagen, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 Jill and Derick have been vocal about their estrangement, citing alleged control issues and financial disputes as major factors. — Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026 From this perspective, estrangement can affect more than two people. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026 We’re told there’s some troubling family history in their background that might have led to their estrangement, though it’s not really shown. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 Jordan appeared on now-wife JoJo Fletcher’s season of The Bachelorette in 2016, telling viewers about his family’s estrangement from the quarterback, but not sharing too many details. — Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026 The flames of perdition, fueled by guilt, estrangement, and repression, lap at society’s sham institutions and flimsy fronts of civility. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Noun

One schism Hagar would like to repair, of course, is with former bandmate Alex Van Halen.

— Gary Graff, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

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

Definition of disaffection

Noun

Karlaftis and Nohl Williams knocked down passes, and Williams added another breakup before game’s end.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
The fake message, shared alongside images of Fox and an older photograph of the former couple, claimed Kelly was devastated by the breakup and blamed himself for losing her.

— Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of breakup

Noun

Despite most of the country supporting the separation of biological males and females in sports, the vocal minority can be vicious.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Jon Rahm will be able to leave LIV Golf and pursue other opportunities under a separation agreement filed in a New Jersey bankruptcy court.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of separation

Noun

The rift between these tribes was on full display last month as the main opponent of the constitutional question claimed election malfeasance by proponents of A-83.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Tuesday's filings represent Seaver's first public defense of himself since a serious rift opened up in the country music legend's circle and spilled into public view shortly after her death.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of rift

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estranged

estrangement

estrangements

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

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Synonyms of estrangement

noun

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