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 Rodgers and his parents have been estranged for nearly a dozen years and perhaps longer. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 Rodgers was estranged from his family for years The rift between Rodgers and his family went public in 2016, during Jordan’s season of The Bachelorette. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 Pitt is reportedly estranged from most of his children, according to People. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 13 July 2026 The pair have reportedly been in contact since, though Harry still appears to be estranged from his brother Prince William. — Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for estrange

Recent Examples of Synonyms for estrange

Verb

Sami Zayn, who had recently lost the title, was visibly infuriated by Owens' unexpected return and victory, even injuring Owens' neck during the intense bout.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of infuriate

Verb

The real danger lies in alienating the public, who perceive the company as a bully, undermining the very affection that made Buc-ee's successful.

— Allen Adamson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Churches were closed and unable to take strong vaccine positions without alienating their members.

— Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of alienate

Verb

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faces a fight for political survival in elections in October after angering his fellow West Bank settlers by voting not to punish ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse to serve in the military.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
The actor also objected to being a locker room scene that required full-frontal nudity, which allegedly angered Russell, TMZ reported.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of anger

Verb

The disaster left Boyle Heights wrapped in a cloud of severe odor, pest infestations and potentially toxic air, leaving the community outraged over ongoing cleanup delays.

— Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Community outraged over shooting Over the past few days, a vigil was held to grieve the teenager before he was identified and protesters marched in the city’s downtown to stand in solidarity with Williams’ family and call for accountability.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of outrage

Verb

The recent rise in Treasury yields has put upward pressure on mortgage rates, in turn souring expectations for the housing market and curbing refinancing activity.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Anderson said authorities are still trying to determine a motive for the kidnapping and shooting but suspect that the business relationship may have soured between the two men.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of sour

Verb

Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, who had severed ties with Israel, was a supporter of the Palestinian independence cause.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
While severing thread-ectronics will destroy them, eutectogels are stable, soft enough to touch or connect to the human body, and allow transistor repair through the simple application of low heat.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sever

Browse Nearby Words

estivating

estrange

estranged

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“Estrange.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/estrange. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of estrange

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