Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

encroach

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of encroach

to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits
  • each year the sea continues to encroach upon the islandʼs beaches
Synonyms of encroach

creep, inch, worm
Words Related to encroach

snake, sneak

entrench (also intrench), impinge, infringe, intrude, invade

overpass, overreach, overrun, overshoot, overstep

Synonym Discussion of encroach

trespass, encroach, infringe, invade mean to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another. trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.
    • hunters trespassing on farmland
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
infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.
    • infringing a copyright
invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.
    • accused of invading their privacy

Learn More about encroach

  1. See words that rhyme with encroach Dictionary: Definition of encroach Spanish Central: Translation of encroach Nglish: Translation of encroach for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of encroach for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up encroach? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

wherewithal

means, resources, or money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. cache BuzzFeed reports on Trump-Cohen documents.

  2. intransigence, intransigent Trump cancels Davos trip.

  3. white supremacist Steve King discusses views.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games