Thesaurus results for ALIENATE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

alienate

verb

ˈā-lē-ə-ˌnāt

Definition of alienate next

as in to infuriate

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring her changed position on the issue surprised and alienated many of her supporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cede

to give over the legal possession or ownership of landowners have a right to alienate their right of ownership—in other words, they can sell the land if they want to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expropriate

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 In the sanitized and alienating new surrounds, with the camaraderie of the early Hyperion days but a faint memory, long-simmering discontent about working conditions wouldn’t take long to boil over. —

Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 The conversation in the classroom doesn’t turn to the repressive regime or the state requirement of headscarves or the geopolitical strategies that have alienated the Islamic Republic of Iran from the global community. —

Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026 Making competitive Pokémon more approachable is great for the health of the game and its growing community, but only if Champions can do so without alienating its core base of dedicated competitive players. —

Kallie Plagge, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026 Dillon argued her overall approach alienated some viewers. —

Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienate

Verb

That this stalemate has dragged on this long has infuriated Levin, who considers keeping the government functioning a basic tenet of Congress’s job.

— Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
The gap between what Greg and I did—and, more importantly, thought about—became a gigantic infuriating cavern for me.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026