Synonyms of invade

invade

verb

in-ˈvād 

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

• raid
• ravage
• dominate
• conquer
• occupy
• attack
• overrun
• overcome
• encroach
• subjugate
• plunder
• subdue
• overwhelm
• despoil
• besiege
• pillage
• foray (into)
• vanquish
• assault
• overpower
• sack
• fight
• strip
• assail
• loot
• harass
• ransack
• maraud
• storm
• trespass
• war (with)
• subject
• infringe
• combat
• beset
• rush
• strike
• crush
• battle
• clash (with)
• garrison
• charge
• blockade
• invest
• beleaguer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• safeguard
• guard
• resist
• ward
• shield
• oppose
• withstand
• repel
• defy
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• cede (to)
• capitulate (to)

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

Recent Examples of invade

It’s also known for having a variant that can go metastatic, traveling via the bloodstream to invade other organs, particularly the liver, but also the lungs, eyes, and brain. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Extreme pressure is building in Middle East that could send Brent oil prices above the 2022 high of $128 per barrel after Russia invaded Ukraine, Croft said. — Spencer Kimball,chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 July 2026

This gene encodes a protein called OXO, short for oxalate oxidase, which breaks down oxalic acid, the fungus’s key weapon for invading and killing plant tissues. — Steve Strauss, The Conversation, 22 July 2026

This pavilion would have been the first since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022; Russia canceled its 2022 pavilion and in 2024 gave over its pavilion to Bolivia. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026