Thesaurus results for ENCROACH

Q: How does the verb 'encroach' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: Where would 'infringe' be a reasonable alternative to 'encroach'?

The words infringe and encroach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative. // infringing a copyright

Q: When can 'invade' be used instead of 'encroach'?

The words invade and encroach can be used in similar contexts, but invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. // accused of invading their privacy

Q: When could 'trespass' be used to replace 'encroach'?

While the synonyms trespass and encroach are close in meaning, trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion. // hunters trespassing on farmland

encroach

verb

in-ˈkrōch

Definition of encroach next

as in to invade

to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb encroach differ from other similar words?

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

Where would infringe be a reasonable alternative to encroach?

The words infringe and encroach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When can invade be used instead of encroach?

The words invade and encroach can be used in similar contexts, but invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When could trespass be used to replace encroach?

While the synonyms trespass and encroach 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 encroach As the fire encroached on Pacific Palisades Elementary School, one of Los Angeles Unified School District’s low-cost air monitors recorded 1,100 micrograms per cubic meter of fine particulate matter — the highest mark since air monitors were installed in 2021. —

Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 The measure encroaches on the legislative branch’s control over spending, which could create friction in Congress. —

The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 Another encroached from the east, burning through an acre every few minutes. —

Eli Saslow, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 When wildfires are encroaching on homes and public spaces, waiting for help to arrive may not suffice. —

Esme Mazzeo, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for encroach

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroach

Verb

Gavriil Grigorov | Afp | Getty Images Europe should have learned its lesson when Russian forces invaded Georgia in 2008, Estonia’s Elias-Hindoalla said, adding that the Ukraine war has since reaffirmed the importance of finding alternative suppliers and improving the bloc’s energy independence.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025
Air traveler invades passenger's personal space to snap photos of clouds throughout flight A woman became frustrated on a recent flight to Germany when the passenger seated next to her continuously stretched his arm out to take photos near the window.

— Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025