infringe

Definition of infringenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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 can invade be used instead of infringe?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 infringe The current state of the case entails Russ demanding a court declaration that his use of Denaro Puro doesn’t infringe Nike, that Nike’s trade dress claims are invalid, and that Nike’s rights in Pure Money are unenforceable with respect to Denaro Puro. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026 The lawn in this small front yard is topped with small beds that bring color, texture, and height to the design, but don't infringe on the home's architectural elements. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 May 2026 That same year, Polis vetoed a broader bill that sought to implement new regulations for social media companies that Polis felt would infringe on First Amendment and privacy rights. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 Cruz and Ramirez each previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to willfully infringe a copyright, court records show. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe
Verb
  • Accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran balked at attending talks planned Friday, the first since the Iranian and US presidents signed the 14-clause memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier in the week.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The prior Minnesota Anti-SLAPP law required that the court make certain pre-trial factual findings which was held to violate the right to a jury trial.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Funding that is distributed to governments or organizations working in repressive countries carries the grave risk of empowering security actors that not only impinge on the rights of refugees but also those of citizens.
    Kelsey Norman, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • The legal case, decided at an emergency hearing in a Los Angeles courthouse on Monday morning, was brought by an Iranian fan who said FIFA’s block impinged freedom of speech, but the judge rejected that argument.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • South Florida’s task forces won’t just be bringing manpower, but also equipment for breaching, lifting and supporting structures in collapsed zones.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
  • Measure total cost of ownership, including help desk time and breach remediation.
    Rohan Pinto, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Hundreds were killed, and Israel invaded parts of Lebanon.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Since Russia first invaded the country, drones have become a key part of Ukraine’s strategy, aiming at undermining the Russian army’s logistics operations.
    Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • But getting out of military service remains controversial in South Korea, and last week, a minor scandal intruded on the usual rhythms of the World Cup.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • The nonstop attention-seeking of our current president threatens to intrude on the day.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Morales has been entrenched in his coca-growing stronghold in the Chapare region since 2024 and has refused to appear before the courts.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 June 2026
  • That leverage could be used to benefit Musk’s businesses, securing further contracts with the government and entrenching him deeper into the infrastructure of everyone’s lives.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infringe. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster