invade

Synonym Chooser

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 As the Upside Down began to invade Hawkins, the camera cut to black. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 2 June 2025 Cut grass at its optimal height and form a thick mat of foliage with little space for thistles to invade. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025 Russia Invades Ukraine Then, in February 2022, Russia started a war by invading Ukraine. Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 What happened to the Jeu de Paume after the Germans invaded Paris in 1940? Erin Douglass, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • Though the police had raided Stonewall Inn and countless others before, the events of June 28, 1969, known as the Stonewall Riots, spearheaded a six-day uprising for LGBTQ+ rights.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • Wolves might be about to get raided for a second time.
    Phil Hay June 2, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Fraser delivers a brimstone sermon worthy of a Baptist preacher at a tent revival, raging at plutocrats who ravage those with less (or nothing at all).
    Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • Injuries have ravaged Houston’s starting rotation to an almost unrecognizable state.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • This is a game that will be dominating time on rec room TV or backseat car rides for years to come.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • Silver did admit, however, that the ratings discussion that often dominates the conversation is an irritant for him.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Ephesus is primarily known as a Ionian Greek city, but it was later conquered and rebuilt by the Romans.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Updated June 4, 2025: In 2018, Eva Steinwald was still conquering her fear of heights.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Nearly the entire Republican Party, which occupied about seventy percent of congressional seats, voted for it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
  • In a space formerly occupied by the finance ministry, a towering glass ceiling shelters statues that once cavorted in open courtyards.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The pathogen is known as Fusarium graminearum, which can attack wheat, barley, maize and rice and sicken livestock and people, the FBI said in a court filing in Detroit.
    Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
  • After the quake evacuation, the inmates were still outside of the cells when a group suddenly attacked guards, seized their weapons, opened fire and fled, said Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan.
    Brittany Williams, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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