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 The death toll has continually risen in the conflict, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Max Rego, The Hill, 28 Sep. 2025 Israel invades Gaza as UN report alleges genocide. Sam Tobin, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 When Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022 during Milan Fashion Week and at one of his usual press conferences, he was literally moved to tears thinking of the children involved in that war. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 This comes through most clearly in the depiction of Baktan Cross, a sanctuary city that Lockjaw invades via Operation Boot Heel, and whose citizens band together and fight back. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • The singer has been vocal about foregoing tour stops in the US, citing fears that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would raid the concert venues.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The episode sees Marge revisit her nostalgia for a Dawson's Creek-esque '90s teen drama as Lisa raids her mom's closet for vintage threads with the help of fashion-forward classmates Devin (Cole Escola) and Vidalia (Stephanie Hsu).
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her journey has brought her to Cloonboo, a town devastated by the Great Famine that ravaged the land between 1845 and 1852.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The final day of the 2025 State Fair was canceled after flooding ravaged the area.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One flashy claim can dominate the conversation, and in the social media era, sensationalism is amplified.
    Adam Frank, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The edgy vibe of side braids is a natural departure from the more flowy, feminine styles that usually dominate in the summer (like boho braids).
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To put it into perspective, the structure of Hades II necessitates that players conquer both routes of its story, and multiple times at that to reach the true ending.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In an attempt to help the elementary schooler conquer his fears, Gee picked him up and tossed him into the water below.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Joey Logano occupy the sixth, seventh, and eighth places in the same order.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Blair would bring years of political and negotiating experience to the task after occupying 10 Downing Street for a decade and later acting as an international envoy in the Middle East.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her ex and his friends attacked him with a baseball bat and tried to shove him in a washing machine at one of his dad’s laundromats.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • As the first crews began attacking the fire from inside the building, other crews were called in to make sure no one was inside.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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