INVADE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'invade' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of invade are encroach , infringe , and trespass . While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. // accused of invading their privacy

Q: When would 'encroach' be a good substitute for 'invade'?

The words encroach and invade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When is 'infringe' a more appropriate choice than 'invade'?

In some situations, the words infringe and invade are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative. // infringing a copyright

Q: Where would 'trespass' be a reasonable alternative to 'invade'?

While the synonyms trespass and invade are close in meaning, trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion. // hunters trespassing on farmland

invade

verb

in-ˈvād

Definition of invade

as in to raid

to enter for conquest or plunder a superpower that had a tendency to invade and take over smaller and weaker countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb invade differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of invade are encroach, infringe, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When would encroach be a good substitute for invade?

The words encroach and invade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is infringe a more appropriate choice than invade?

In some situations, the words infringe and invade are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

Where would trespass be a reasonable alternative to invade?

While the synonyms trespass and invade 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 invade Israel invaded Lebanon and has since occupied a large swath of its south. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 By the end of that first part, Russia had invaded Ukraine, TV Rain had been fully banned, and all of Loktev’s subjects had finally left their country. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 When troops from Argentina invaded the Falklands in 1982, Britain fought back on its own and did not see traditional allies like the United States or NATO join the campaign. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Ukraine has been cut off from international civil aviation because its own airspace is considered unsafe since Russia invaded in 2022. — Reuters, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Police raided the home several times but failed to find the painting.

— Sergio Farella, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
In the footage, players follow the story of Jason and Lucia, a couple living in the fictional Vice City, who are picking up drugs, and their mission is thwarted by the police, who begin to raid the place.

— Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of raid

Verb

The barren English countryside has been ravaged by a plague that killed half the population.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
The actress recalled the eerie deaths and accidents that happened during the shoot of the film, including a fire that ravaged a great part of the set and one of the crew members who lost their newborn child.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of ravage

Verb

That subjectivity and secrecy over how a winner is selected also builds suspense, particularly in the years that follow an era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, where a deeper pool of candidates now swims.

— Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
If someone dominates the conversation, redirect attention to what the group is trying to accomplish.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

Until that point, Birmingham had looked dangerous, conquering the space vacated by City’s adventurous full-backs (in fact, Oceane Hurtre robbed a dithering Jade Rose on the edge of stoppage time for a consolation goal).

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Back then, Below Deck hadn’t yet launched in the Mediterranean, the Housewives hadn’t yet conquered Potomac, and there were no Traitors, Summer House, or Mormon Wives to speak of.

— Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

The most reliable tactic is to occupy a choke point where doves enter a field in the morning and in the evening.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Civilian specialists The 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron occupies an unusual position within the Air Force’s nuclear mission.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of occupy

Verb

Tzolis plays the pass and, because the Arsenal players are attacking the diagonal, there are a number of receivers available.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
In perhaps the coolest reversal in the show thus far, the Lanterns are attacked with guns that produce darkness, which manifests here as smoke but prevents them from seeing or creating light constructs.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of attack

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inurns

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invaded

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“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of invade

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