How does the verb encroach differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of encroach are infringe, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," 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
Where would infringe be a reasonable alternative to encroach?
The words infringe and encroach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.
infringing a copyright
When can invade be used instead of encroach?
The words invade and encroach can be used in similar contexts, but invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.
accused of invading their privacy
When could trespass be used to replace encroach?
While the synonyms trespass and encroach are close in meaning, trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.
hunters trespassing on farmland
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encroachThe state, the thinking went, should not encroach on the natural order produced by the churning of free-market forces.—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Apple once owned the premium device space, but competitors are now encroaching on its turf.—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 7 June 2025 At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the industry was awash with buyers, sellers and festival heads chattering about how to come to grips with this new phase of technology that is increasingly encroaching on the traditional space.—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 June 2025 Cities vehemently opposed the bill, saying the changes would encroach on their ability to deal with crimes specific to their areas.—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for encroach
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
Their peaceful days were shattered on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South.
Soon, Kelli’s voice creeps up a few octaves after Brit calls her insecure, prompting her to lay the glam team drama on the table.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
23 June 2025
The Mets still have the best ERA in the majors at 3.08, but their month-by-month ERAs are creeping up — from 2.64 in March and April to 3.15 in May and 3.76 so far in June.
When his man left to protect the lane against Gilgeous-Alexander snaking back against the blitz, Williams would get the swing pass from his point guard and attack the rotated defense.
—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
During the early years, the Pines might have been best known as the home to the Hollywood Sportatorium, where people stuck in a long line of cars snaked along a two-lane road to see rock concerts.
—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
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