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 hospital issued a trespass warning and put a photo of Bartlett in the security office. Brandy Zadrozny, NBC news, 4 June 2025 Since his first term as president, Trump has experienced numerous trespass situations on his Florida property. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Verb
Baraka claims Habba improperly ordered his arrest and prosecution for reportedly trespassing at Delaney Hall, a detention center near Newark Liberty International Airport. Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025 Reyes was arrested on trespassing charges and given a $1,000 bond, but his bond has since been upgraded to $50,000. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
Noun
  • In 11 months, reigning Formula One world champion Max Verstappen accrued as many penalty points across six different infringements.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025
  • It was finally settled in 2016 when the U.S. Supreme Court let stand lower court rulings that rejected copyright infringement claims.
    Matt O'Brien, Christian Science Monitor, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • So a guineafowl moving at a slow jog of 1 km/h (0.6 mph) – roughly the pace of a wandering toddler – through Alexander's formula would be estimated as 4.7 km/h (2.9 mph).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2025
  • Guests are invited to wander the gardens, join sourdough baking classes, and basically geek out on where their food comes from.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Whether they are regulated globally or locally, human rights violations within supplier networks will never reflect well on parent companies.
    Mary Foley, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • These actions, coupled with Harvard’s response, comprised a violation of the students’ civil rights under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • However, that strategy could fall flat if Cuomo keeps his campaign alive.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
  • Monthly spending has also fallen by almost $20 year-over-year.
    Jon Kirchner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Her only 'crime' seems to be coming from the 'wrong' country.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • In her 30-year career, Laura has won numerous national awards for coverage of human trafficking, child welfare, crime and government secrecy.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 23 June 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
  • Any person elected by the commissioners must also be certified to have no felony convictions or expungements.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • That was because Florida law did not have a felony charge for the reckless operation of a boat that resulted in serious injuries.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • When the formula strays too far in one direction, things get weird.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2025
  • Freddy strays a little too close to the stereotype of a mystic savant; Michelle makes some rash and drastic decisions that beggar belief.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trespass

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