Synonyms of violate

violate

verb

ˈvī-ə-ˌlāt 

1

as in to break

to fail to keep

you've violated the company's rule against smoking within 30 feet of the building

Synonyms & Similar Words

• break
• breach
• contravene
• offend
• transgress
• ignore
• disobey
• infringe (on or upon)
• fracture
• disregard
• traduce
• neglect
• flout
• resist
• rebel
• overlook
• pass over
• dismiss
• blow off
• defy
• slight
• tune out
• withstand
• brush (off)
• wink (at)
• shrug off
• scorn
• overpass
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• obey
• observe
• conform (to)
• comply (with)
• serve
• submit (to)
• mind
• yield (to)
• hear
• listen (to)
• attend
• notice
• regard
• watch
• surrender (to)
• note
• defer (to)
• mark
• heed

2

as in to desecrate

to treat (a sacred place or object) shamefully or with great disrespect

the invaders violated the temple by using it to stable their horses

Synonyms & Similar Words

• desecrate
• destroy
• defile
• ruin
• ravage
• demolish
• profane
• raid
• insult
• rob
• contaminate
• pollute
• swear
• taint
• blaspheme
• offend
• affront
• soil
• sully
• devastate
• curse
• defame
• wreck
• desanctify
• deconsecrate
• despoil
• annihilate
• plunder
• decimate
• desacralize
• poison
• sack
• spoil
• outrage
• foul
• befoul
• raze
• strip
• desolate
• pillage
• waste
• loot
• ransack
• crush

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bless
• honor
• respect
• dedicate
• consecrate
• sanctify
• hallow
• purge
• purify
• cleanse

3

as in to rape

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent

criminal statutes delineating acts that constitute violating another person

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rape
• assault
• force
• ravish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of violate

However, district leaders maintain their schools have never had such plans, did not violate federal laws and made substantial efforts to comply with the department’s requests — even submitting agreements to the department that were rejected. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

And in New Mexico, the state pursued its own enforcement action, alleging that Meta endangered children and violated state consumer protection law. — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

The publication’s publisher, its editor in chief and a reporter allege that the government violated their First Amendment rights to free speech. — Scott Nover, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Having both in the air at the same time seemed to violate safety procedures put in place after last year’s midair collision near the busy airport that killed 67 people, but officials stressed the president was never in danger. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026