Synonyms of infringe

infringe

verb

1

as in to violate

Related Words

• violate
• breach
• trespass
• offend
• transgress
• err
• wander
• fall
• sin
• stray
• break
• lapse
• backslide
• mess up

Dissimilar Words

• justify
• forgive
• pardon
• regret
• repent
• rue

2

as in to impinge

Related Words

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

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

Recent Examples of infringe

Roberts wrote that limits on the president's ability to fire those who wield executive power on his behalf infringe on his constitutional authority. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Fleming said such projects infringe on private property rights and federal government subsidies for the technology are wasteful. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

Several community members have expressed concerns the plan would infringe on their autonomy as parents to oversee their children’s religious education. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Entry must be the original work of the entrant, may not have been previously published, may not have won previous awards, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026