Synonyms of invade

invade

verb

in-ˈvād 

as in to raid

to enter for conquest or plunder

a superpower that had a tendency to invade and take over smaller and weaker countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• raid
• ravage
• dominate
• conquer
• occupy
• attack
• overrun
• overcome
• encroach
• subjugate
• plunder
• subdue
• overwhelm
• despoil
• besiege
• pillage
• foray (into)
• vanquish
• assault
• overpower
• sack
• fight
• strip
• assail
• loot
• harass
• ransack
• maraud
• storm
• trespass
• war (with)
• subject
• infringe
• combat
• beset
• rush
• strike
• crush
• battle
• clash (with)
• garrison
• charge
• blockade
• invest
• beleaguer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• safeguard
• guard
• resist
• ward
• shield
• oppose
• withstand
• repel
• defy
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• cede (to)
• capitulate (to)

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

Recent Examples of invade

Zelenskyy imposed martial law, which prohibits elections from being held, when Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Pyongyang has long denounced the joint drills, calling them a rehearsal for invading the North. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

One of the most persistent false dichotomies in tech policy is the belief that protecting users, particularly minors, requires invading their privacy. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Klitschko’s pride for his home country of Ukraine heightened when Vladimir Putin’s Russia invaded the country in 2022. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026