estranged

1 of 2

adjective

es·​tranged i-ˈstrānjd How to pronounce estranged (audio)
Synonyms of estranged
: having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship
her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives]
Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.—Jonathan D. Rockoff
He had taken out a life insurance policy on his estranged wife just weeks before her murder …—David Fisher
… it's kind of shameful to admit your idea of unwinding in front of the TV is watching somebody's entire family get murdered by their greedy, estranged uncle.—Lauren Zupkus

estranged

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of estrange

Examples of estranged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
In a survey of roughly 7,000 estranged parents, one-third believed their adult child’s therapist had influenced or even recommended the decision to cut ties. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 The serial killer drama sees retired detective Pete Willis (Robert De Niro) investigate the kidnapping of his grandson Jake (Acston Luca Porto) while trying to reconnect with his estranged son Tom (Adam Scott). — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 The show follows a father who has to move in with his estranged daughter after his business goes under. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Renata Relishing the single life after her ex-husband went to prison, Renata hits a low point when her estranged mother dies. — Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for estranged

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estranged was in 1538

Phrases Containing estranged

Rhymes for estranged

See All Rhymes for estranged

Browse Nearby Words

estrange
estranged
estranged couple
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Cite this Entry

“Estranged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estranged. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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