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 long as rising powers like Japan and Germany felt that their only route to securing critical resources such as rubber, coal, and oil was invading their neighbors, the world would never be safe. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 That new boom idled for a decade until Vladimir Putin created a commodities frenzy by invading Ukraine, one of the world’s most important ag exporters. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 June 2025 Amid President Trump’s threats to start a global trade war, invade Greenland, seize control of the Panama Canal and annex Canada, this story has gone virtually unnoticed: Cuba is going through its worst economic crisis in decades — maybe since the 1959 revolution. Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025 Longtime Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi forfeited his nation's budding nuclear program in exchange for better ties with the U.S. in 2003, the same year the U.S. invaded Iraq and toppled President Saddam Hussein over allegations of weapons of mass destruction. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • In 2022, Chinese authorities raided a warehouse and seized counterfeit Salvatore Ferragamo belts thanks to efforts by the Italian luxury house and Amazon.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 26 June 2025
  • The following day, agents raided her husband’s home and business, Century Homebuilders Group, in Coral Gables.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • But chemotherapy has also ravaged Tennant’s body and his quality of life.
    Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
  • According to CoStar, the blazes wiped out almost $31 billion in property values, ravaging about 11,000 properties between homes and businesses.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • America’s nicotine vape market is dominated by products smuggled in violation of federal rules — more than 90% of Chinese vape products enter the country skirting import rules.
    Edgar Domenech, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • The day’s news was dominated by the Federal Reserve.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • In an improbable turn of events on the back nine on Sunday, JJ Spaun conquered Oakmont to win the U.S. Open by two shots over Robert MacIntyre.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
  • Something Beautiful Wins on Vinyl Something Beautiful does manage to conquer the Vinyl Albums chart, earning Cyrus her third winner on that format-specific list.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The royal design that once occupied solely libraries, studies, and lodges has found new fans By Anna Elise Anderson June 17, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.
    Anna Elise Anderson, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2025
  • Balloon animals and face painting kept children occupied, as did an axe-throwing exhibition.
    Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • This infection attacks your stomach lining and causes inflammation.
    Sayaka Blickenderfer, Health, 28 June 2025
  • The wild and ugly scenes saw rioters attack law enforcement with rocks and Molotov cocktails while others burned vehicles and other property.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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