alienation

noun

ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce alienation (audio)
Definition of alienationnext
as in estrangement
the loss of friendship or affection after years of alienation from her family, she became reconciled with them when her father fell ill

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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 alienation With its möbius-strip-esque structure, this surreal social class satire about grief, urban alienation and gentrification in the city of Lagos explores the lost hope of the Nigerian dream. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026 The sense of alienation is also from a society designed by and for couples. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 The album’s title references the zero interest rate era that fueled Silicon Valley’s startup boom, with Smith using that economic shorthand as a lens for examining technology, streaming culture and modern alienation. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026 Alienation, not indifference Research shows deep levels of alienation among Gen Z, or young people born between 1997 and 2012. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alienation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alienation
estrangement
Noun
  • Her parents divorced shortly before her second birthday, marking the beginning of her long estrangement from her father.
    — Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The decision ultimately marked the beginning of their estrangement.
    — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of estrangement

Browse Nearby Words

alienating
alienation
alienations
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Cite this Entry

“Alienation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alienation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alienation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alienation

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