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
He has previously been convicted of offenses including burglary, criminal trespass, evading arrest, possession of marijuana and unlawful use of a criminal instrument. Chris Spargo, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 When an intrusion onto commercial property would be a trespass for a member of the public, law enforcement officers cannot enter the property without the owner’s consent, a warrant, or certain special circumstances. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
Two federal judges issued a decision in January of that year that also undercut key misdemeanor charges related to trespassing in a building that was leveled against most Jan. 6 defendants. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Mar. 2025 Locals who spoke to the outlets said that the industrial park had fallen into disrepair in recent years, and teenagers would often trespass onto the property. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
Noun
  • These publishers, one of which is The Atlantic, are suing various AI companies for trademark dilution and trademark infringement, among other things.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
  • In May, HomeVestors filed suit against Carrier for trademark infringement and for not indemnifying it against these lawsuits.
    Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • George, a backyard community cat who took up residence at the Loma Verde complex in Lakeland, Florida, grew impatient after getting neutered at the local SPCA and wandered nearly three miles back home, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE on Monday, May 19.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Researchers aimed to estimate the number of deaths each year caused by two factors: inadequate fencing to prevent young children from wandering into swimming pools and Americans not wearing a life jacket while boating.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The complaint at the crux of Lopez v. Apple is a violation of privacy.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball that concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.
    Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Still, after being widely projected as a Day 2 talent, Webb fell undrafted in April.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Last night, the Rockies were 0-for-7 after falling behind 1-2.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • With countless crimes to choose from, the series joins its sister show, American Murder.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • From cold cases cracked decades later to trials still underway, here are 18 fatal crimes that occurred at colleges and universities.
    Corin Cesaric, People.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Addressing the congregation that evening before offering Aaron some more personalized wisdom, Tim speaks about the necessity of accepting Jesus Christ into one’s life to counteract doubt and the temptation to sin.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
  • Again and again, Stan’s Donald spends The Apprentice cataloging the ways in which he has been sinned against.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • One person accused of attacking the encampment was charged with felonies by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office last year.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • The 55-year-old, who is now fully grey, has pleaded not guilty to the five felony counts against him.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Set in the same massive farmhouse that passes down from one family to another, the film never strays too far from its main location, venturing out to wander the nearby fields or dip into a picturesque river separating East and West Germany.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
  • Before Jose Mourinho got the Chelsea job in 2004, playing 4-4-2 was the norm and few sides strayed from it.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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