When we talk about antonyms for “befriend,” we are referring to words that represent the opposite action of making friends or establishing friendly relationships with others. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings, creating a contrast in their definitions. In the case of “befriend,” its antonyms encompass words that signify hostility, distance, or estrangement.
These antonyms serve to offer a spectrum of relationships and interactions that extend beyond forming friendships. By exploring the antonyms of “befriend,” we can delve into the complexities of human relationships, understanding the various ways in which connections between individuals can evolve or deviate. The contrasting words provide a nuanced perspective on the dynamics of social interactions and the diversity of emotions that can shape our connections with others.
By examining the antonyms for “befriend,” we gain insight into the diverse range of interpersonal dynamics and emotional experiences that exist in our interactions with others. These words illuminate the multifaceted nature of human relationships, showcasing the spectrum of emotions and behaviors that shape our connections with those around us. Understanding the antonyms of “befriend” allows us to appreciate the complexity and richness of the social tapestry that defines our interactions with others.
35 Antonyms for BEFRIEND With Sentences
Here’s a complete list of opposite for befriend. Practice and let us know if you have any questions regarding BEFRIEND antonyms.
| Antonym | Sentence with Befriend | Sentence with Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| alienate | She decided to befriend her new neighbor when they moved in next door. | His rude behavior managed to alienate everyone at the party. |
| shun | Despite his efforts to befriend the team, they continued to exclude him. | His arrogant attitude caused others to shun him during the meeting. |
| ostracize | The new student found it hard to befriend anyone in the class. | The group’s decision to ostracize him left him feeling lonely and isolated. |
| disassociate | Sarah felt it was important to befriend her coworkers to create a friendly work environment. | His tendency to speak ill of others caused his coworkers to disassociate from him. |
| isolate | He quickly befriended the shy boy in class and invited him to join their group. | His suspicious behavior caused others to isolate him and keep their distance. |
| estrange | Despite her efforts to befriend her sister-in-law, they continued to have a strained relationship. | Their constant arguments only served to estrange them further. |
| repel | The friendly demeanor of the new employee made it easy for his colleagues to befriend him. | His negative attitude seemed to repel anyone who tried to get to know him. |
| avoid | Determined to befriend her new roommate, she made an effort to spend time with her. | Her roommate’s aloof behavior made it clear she was trying to avoid forming a connection. |
| ignore | Despite her attempts to befriend him, he continued to ignore her messages. | His tendency to ignore her made it clear he was not interested in being friends. |
| snub | He felt hurt when his attempts to befriend his colleagues were met with snubs and cold shoulders. | His colleagues’ decision to snub him made him feel unwelcome at the office. |
| distance | She made a conscious effort to befriend her new coworker and get to know him better. | His aloof demeanor made it clear he was trying to distance himself from his coworkers. |
| reject | When she tried to befriend the group, they seemed to reject her at every turn. | Their decision to reject her left her feeling hurt and excluded from the circle. |
| detach | His warm personality made it easy for him to befriend new people and form connections. | His decision to detach himself from social gatherings made it hard for him to make friends. |
| disown | Despite his efforts to befriend his family after years of estrangement, they chose to disown him. | Their choice to disown him left him feeling alone and abandoned. |
| segregate | The teacher encouraged her students to befriend one another and not segregate based on their differences. | Their decision to segregate themselves by social status hindered their relationships. |
| exclude | She made an effort to befriend the new employee and ensure she did not feel excluded from the team. | Their tendency to exclude others led to a toxic work environment. |
| detach | The leader’s attempts to befriend his team and stay connected were met with detachment and indifference. | Their detachment from him made teamwork seem impossible. |
| avoid | He made it a point to befriend his neighbors and not avoid them like the previous residents. | Their decision to avoid social interactions made the neighborhood feel unwelcoming. |
| spurn | The kind gestures of the children made it easy for the new family to befriend them. | The children’s decision to spurn the newcomer was a surprise to everyone. |
| cast off | Despite her efforts to befriend her childhood friend after they drifted apart, he chose to cast her off. | His decision to cast her off hurt her deeply and ended their friendship. |
| detach | She tried to befriend her coworkers, but their tendency to detach made it challenging to build relationships. | Their detachment from others created a cold and unwelcoming work environment. |
| disavow | The team’s decision to befriend their new coach led to a strong connection and trust. | His decision to disavow the team’s strategies caused tension and conflict. |
| push away | Despite her efforts to befriend him, his defensive attitude made him push her away. | His tendency to push her away left her feeling discouraged and rejected. |
| segregate | The community encouraged its members to befriend their neighbors and not segregate based on ethnicity. | Their decision to segregate themselves only widened the gap between them. |
| disclaim | Her sincere efforts to befriend her in-laws were met with disclaimer as they didn’t want to connect. | Their decision to disclaim any connection with her shocked everyone. |
| detach | Despite her attempts to befriend her teammates, their cold behavior led her to detach herself from them. | Their detachment from her made her feel isolated and unwanted. |
| exclude | He made it a point to befriend everyone at the party and make sure no one felt excluded. | Their decision to exclude others based on appearance was hurtful and unfair. |
| reject | Her attempts to befriend the group only led to them rejecting her and forming a clique. | Their constant rejection of her made it clear they were not interested in being friends. |
| snub | The protagonist’s efforts to befriend the antagonist were met with snubs and hostility. | His constant snubs and cold behavior made forming a connection impossible. |
Final Thoughts about Antonyms of BEFRIEND
Forming enmity or hostility instead of friendship, individuals can inadvertently create rifts and divisions amongst themselves. Choosing not to befriend others can lead to isolation and loneliness, preventing the formation of meaningful connections and mutual support systems. When people opt to spurn instead of befriend, they close themselves off from the potential benefits of collaboration, understanding, and companionship.
It is vital to recognize the consequences of shunning others and embrace the power of forging friendships. By cultivating relationships instead of distancing oneself, one can foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and camaraderie. Ultimately, the decision to withhold friendship can hinder personal growth and inhibit the development of supportive networks that enrich and enhance one’s life.