infringe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When can invade be used instead of infringe?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

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 infringe An exhibit to the complaint lists more than 150 works that were allegedly infringed — meaning damages from the lawsuit, if Disney and Universal win, could top $20 million. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 Lauren Gaw alleges that UnitedHealth Group, which owns the local surgery center through a series of subsidiaries, violated several California laws prohibiting employers from infringing on their employees’ political views and activities. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 Neely’s company has challenged AI platforms for generating content that allegedly infringes on its clients’ intellectual property, both individual and corporate. Zach Vallese, CNBC, 19 June 2025 There is no way to have a national police force empowered to conduct arrests without explanation that doesn’t infringe on everyone’s rights and our basic legal protections. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe
Verb
  • According to a spokesperson for the National Police Association, there are too many people violating home detention in Maryland who are committing crimes while wearing their ankle monitors.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
  • Last year, the Department of Justice sued Legends for violating federal waiting period requirements related to its acquisition of ASM Global, which was the former operator of Pechanga Arena San Diego.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • However, reality can’t help but impinge on daily life.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The school counters that the government has no right to impinge on its academic freedom and independence, especially its emphasis on diversity and tolerance.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • These adversaries often breach networks and remain undetected for months, slowly harvesting data or laying the groundwork for more damaging attacks.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • At the same time, Carter found that the city breached the terms of a settlement agreement with the nonprofit LA Alliance for Human Rights, which calls for the creation of 12,915 homeless beds or other housing opportunities by June 2027.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Fund managers and other industry experts CNBC spoke to said that though the traction in defense stocks started back in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, this year has seen a particularly strong surge in their popularity.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • Their peaceful days were shattered on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South.
    Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The contestants deal with rough seas, strong currents, jellyfish and sundry venomous creatures, intruding fishermen, limited air, sinus crises, variable visibility and unexpected orcas.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
  • In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the Australian aircraft of intruding into Chinese airspace.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Now entrenched in a potential 14-billion-euro hostile takeover, BBVA has decided to keep its bid alive despite a recent condition from the Spanish government that the takeover may only proceed if the two banks do not integrate their operations for at least three years.
    Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 2 July 2025
  • The initiative aims to foster pathways for diverse performers and professionals to entrench themselves more deeply in Nashville's mainstream country industry.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infringe. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

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