invade

Definition of invadenext

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 Japan and Taiwan China and Japan relations are currently particularly fraught, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting last year Japan might get involved if China invades Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Jennifer Pak, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026 The motorcross world had just invaded the United States. Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2026 When North Korea invaded South Korea, President Harry Truman didn't wait for Congress. David Wade, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 Trump has long mocked Bush for ruining his presidency by invading Iraq, and his administration over the past week has sought to downplay any parallels between Bush’s misadventures and its own attack on Iran. Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • Reginald Arthurell — who began transitioning to a woman shortly after his release from prison in 2020 — was removed from the home after heavily armed officers raided the address on Monday, radio station 2GB reported.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • For one, Indigenous people resisted American colonists’ expansion into their ancestral homelands, raiding their farms and settlements in the Ohio Valley.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Workers are repairing damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire, a wildfire that ravaged the North Rim in summer 2025.
    Outside, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
  • In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the sports world, the F1 team hit a financial breaking point.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Beautifully cast and acted, as well-paced as any series in recent memory, HBO’s production is not just watchable but addictive, a weekly antidote to the flavorless crime sagas that now dominate streaming and network TV.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Lithium refining is expensive and technologically complex, and most of the world’s midstream processing capacity remains concentrated in China, meaning Chinese firms dominate not only mining but also the chemical refining stage where much of the value is captured.
    Ray Mwayera, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Shakespeare’s fierce and primal tragedy follows the celebrated warrior who knows how to conquer enemies but not how to win hearts.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • After fashion’s front row set conquered London, the caravan rolled onto Milan Fashion Week, where the energy felt instantly amplified.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Music is the focal point of each service, with Jeffrey playing guitar and keyboards behind the curtain, singing in a wavering voice reminiscent of Jeff Mangum about the subjects, ideas and feelings that have occupied his mind at various stages of his life.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • And typically, Wegmann added, those units are occupied by productive, working adults, not layabouts or career criminals leeching off the system, as the old narrative goes.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On Thursday, Iran’s new Supreme Leader said that his country would keep closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which about a fifth of the world’s oil flows, and more vessels in the Persian Gulf were attacked, including two oil tankers that were set ablaze off the coast of Iraq.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Iran attacked two oil tankers off the coast of Iraq overnight, setting them ablaze.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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