invade

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb invade differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of invade are encroach, infringe, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When would encroach be a good substitute for invade?

The words encroach and invade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is infringe a more appropriate choice than invade?

In some situations, the words infringe and invade are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

Where would trespass be a reasonable alternative to invade?

While the synonyms trespass and invade are close in meaning, 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 invade Trump’s priorities are clear: Derail medical and scientific research, and invade MacArthur Park, writes columnist Steve Lopez. James Rainey follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Vines can also choke out your favorite flower beds, climb into your trees, and drop seeds that invade the rest of your yard. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 See the map Cincinnati, invading cicadas are making a mess. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The finale of season two — and specifically how the endorphin-releasing Rocky theme tune, Gonna Fly Now, kicked in just as the crowd invaded the pitch to celebrate that non-League exile was over — felt similarly unassailable. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • Bread and milk were in short supply after worried customers raided shelves at grocery stores and bakeries.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • His story came into the spotlight after law enforcement raided Jamaica's Atlantis Leadership Academy.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Lowering the cost of eggs, which spiked in recent years as an avian flu outbreak ravaged American flocks, was one of President Donald Trump's key campaign promises in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Those include a string of deadly tornadoes that swept through Kentucky in May, and some of the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Sure, the former No. 3 pick in the draft should dominate summer league action against players, the majority of which will either end up in the G League or overseas.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Apparently, love can conquer not only death but also slapstick action comedies about little kids brutalizing burglars.
    Drew Mackie, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • For me, that meant a heavy dose of meditation (including a silk hammock sound bath), a class about conquering fear, an introduction to wheel pottery, and several workout classes, leaving plenty of time for treatments and relaxation at the Life in Balance Spa.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Interrogating the ways different myths occupy their own unique spaces establishes pathways into existences of literary immortality, offering prisms into the art of storytelling.
    Irenosen Okojie July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • Founded in 2006, the center had previously occupied a single, tiny room on the University Union’s first floor.
    Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • But one cost of that strong-arm approach quickly became apparent when Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced his retirement right after after Trump attacked him for opposing the bill, creating an open seat that will become Democrats’ best Senate opportunity in 2026.
    Ronald Brownstein, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Making homes more energy efficient is also a way to reduce carbon emissions, and thus attack the cause of more frequent and severe heat waves.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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