encroach

as in to invade
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

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 encroach Although no one was injured in this instance, earlier this week, a man was gored by a bison at the park after a group of tourists encroached on its space, as reported by The Associated Press. Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 To illustrate that encroaching epidemic, Ducournau toggles between two timelines, a structure that seems deliberately disorienting. Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 21 May 2025 But bear defenders argue that people have encroached into bear habitat — not the other way around. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025 The 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 See All Example Sentences for encroach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroach
Verb
  • 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.
    Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • 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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Cite this Entry

“Encroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encroach. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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