trespass 1 of 2

trespass

2 of 2

verb

as in to wander
to commit an offense I consider him to be trespassing against all of us when he trespasses against any one of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trespass differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trespass are encroach, infringe, and invade. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of trespass?

The words encroach and trespass 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 can infringe be used instead of trespass?

In some situations, the words infringe and trespass are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is invade a more appropriate choice than trespass?

The meanings of invade and trespass largely overlap; however, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

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 trespass
Noun
The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 But others couldn’t look past his previous trespasses. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
The driver refuses to get out and argues that police are trespassing on private property. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 An investigation revealed the suspect had trespassed and peered into a home through a glass door. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
Noun
  • YouTube said creators terminated for copyright infringement or for violating its Creator Responsibility policies are not eligible.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Some of the prompts failed due to copyright infringement, while others worked.
    Jeniece Pettitt,Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The southernmost individual on record lives in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro, just 200 kilometers from Mexico City, while the northernmost populations wander the Arctic coasts in northern Canada and Alaska.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The mind could wander briefly about the Giants riding a two-game winning streak into a Thursday Night Football matchup with the Eagles, equipped to knock off their tormentors who suddenly look vulnerable.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And there have been 70 weapons violations with a gun this year, versus 43 in 2024.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Tamara and her cousins say the audio release is just the latest violation of their rights under Marsy’s Law, a California statute that gives crime victims the rights to privacy, dignity and respect.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • However, compared to his older stepbrothers, his net worth falls a little bit short.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rafael is a crime and breaking news reporter at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The Democrat has touted his accomplishments as a redo of zoning laws to allow for more building, reduced violent crime, and a tripling of affordable housing.
    Staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many societies in the past have linked swearing to blasphemy or sin.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, to pour away the treasured ingredient inside would be close to sin.
    Brennan Long, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Schabusiness had been charged with felony battery, but that was reduced by prosecutors to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, according to her case file reviewed by PEOPLE.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Sanchez is facing a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors said Monday was a fight over parking.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mina Self Oversized Plaid Blazer A plaid blazer is a fall classic that feels fresh without straying too far from timeless.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Balenciaga strays away from a more experimental fashion approach the maison has been pushing under Demna, but also under its founder.
    Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trespass

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