Synonyms of encroach

encroach

verb

in-ˈkrōch 

as in to invade

to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits

each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• invade
• creep
• snake
• worm
• inch
• impinge
• sneak
• intrude
• infringe
• entrench
• intrench
• overstep
• overrun
• overshoot
• overreach
• overpass

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb encroach differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of encroach are infringe, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," encroach suggests gradual or stealthy entrance upon another's territory or usurpation of another's rights or possessions.

the encroaching settlers displacing the native peoples

Where would infringe be a reasonable alternative to encroach?

The words infringe and encroach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When can invade be used instead of encroach?

The words invade and encroach can be used in similar contexts, but invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When could trespass be used to replace encroach?

While the synonyms trespass and encroach are close in meaning, trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of encroach

Apparently, our west block wall encroaches six feet into our neighbor’s back yard, which includes our swimming pool motor and related equipment. —Christopher A. Combs, AZCentral.com, 16 Sep. 2025

And despite the encroaching waves, which nibbled more of our NewFarms every month. —Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Instead, vague references to a second Civil War invoke our current reality, with its stark ideological divides, encroaching political violence, and calls for retribution that have only escalated in recent days. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025

With 26 million active or funded customer accounts, Robinhood is fast encroaching on incumbents like Charles Schwab (37 million) and is six times larger than Merrill Lynch. —Martina Castellanos, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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