Synonyms of infringe

infringe

verb

1

as in to violate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• breach
• trespass
• offend
• transgress
• err
• wander
• fall
• sin
• stray
• break
• lapse
• backslide
• mess up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• justify
• forgive
• pardon
• regret
• repent
• rue

2

as in to impinge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impinge
• invade
• intrude
• entrench
• intrench
• sneak
• encroach
• snake
• overstep
• overrun
• overshoot
• overreach
• worm
• creep
• inch
• overpass

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

Recent Examples of infringe

The move appears retaliatory and may infringe on First Amendment and due process protections. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

The statement describes vouchers as a subsidy that infringes on religious liberty. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025

This could include barring infringing products or serial IP rights violators from the U.S. market, and preventing foreign companies that repeatedly infringe on U.S IP access to the U.S. banking system. —Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

In the lawsuit, the Park District failed to meet the burden of proof required for the court to affirm the Lansing Journal infringed on its trademark, Seeger’s decision said. —Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025