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

How naïve must Trump be to believe that Putin cares about Ukraine’s well-being after invading it, killing thousands of its people, kidnapping tens of thousands of Ukrainian children back to Russia, and continuing to bomb civilian apartment buildings while pretending to negotiate a peace deal? —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026

Another seven strikes hit Caracas the day the Army Delta Force invaded the city to detain Maduro and Flores. —Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 6 Jan. 2026

This takes people back in time to 1989 when the United States invaded Panama under the same pretext of drug cartels. —Amanda Hari, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi made waves last fall after saying her country might intervene if China invaded Taiwan. —Darian Woods, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026