infringe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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 invade be used instead of infringe?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 infringe OpenAI has been sued by The New York Times and other news publishers and creators over claims that the AI maker infringed copyrights in training its models without permission or payment. Angrej Singh, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025 The petitioner has notified service providers that facilitate access to the infringing website. Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025 Some employees argue that DEI training infringes on their freedom of belief and expression, contributing to ongoing legal and ethical debates. London Business School, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Three families sued the school system that May, arguing that preventing them from opting their children out of classes with LGBTQ-inclusive books infringed on their free exercise of religion. Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe
Verb
  • Social-media companies that violate the law could face penalties up to $50,000 per violation.
    Dara Kam, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The hearing stemmed from a defense motion to suppress the investigative genetic genealogy evidence, as the defense argued the testing violated Kohberger’s constitutional rights and its results should be thrown out.
    Eric Levenson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Lawyers for the Trump administration argued that a court order blocking Elon Musk’s aides from entering the Treasury Department’s systems impinged on the president’s absolute powers over the executive branch.
    James Barron, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The narrative chronicles Gail’s gradual recognition that her inflexible standards have impinged on her happiness.
    Heller McAlpin, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Hackers and hacks ⚠️ Researchers at Recorded Future have found evidence that Salt Typhoon breached five telecoms and internet service providers, as well as more than a dozen universities around the world, between December and January.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
  • This, mere months after Forest finished 17th last season, only one spot above regulation (albeit being docked four points for breaching league profitability and sustainability rules).
    Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Invasions let players, well, invade each other's games.
    Brad Bourque, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2025
  • First, there are the ones that make it to your intestines after digging into your flesh and invading your organs.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The appeal came as Trump, key members of his administration and billionaire ally Elon Musk have been criticizing judges who have blocked major pieces of the president's agenda, in some cases arguing that judges have no power to intrude on the president's authority.
    Nate Raymond and Jack Queen, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Congress established the board after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to investigate security activities that can intrude on individual rights.
    Charlie Savage, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The country’s economy is tottering and reliant on IMF bailouts, while the powerful military is entrenched in every aspect of life, according to its critics.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The Reds haven’t had a first baseman or third baseman play in at least half of the team’s games since 2021, when Votto and Suárez were entrenched in those spots.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infringe. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

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