INVADE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of invade are encroach , infringe , and trespass . While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. // accused of invading their privacy

Q: When would 'encroach' be a good substitute for 'invade'?

The words encroach and invade 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

Q: When is 'infringe' a more appropriate choice than 'invade'?

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

Q: Where would 'trespass' be a reasonable alternative to 'invade'?

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

invade

verb

in-ˈvād

Definition of invade next

as in to raid

to enter for conquest or plunder a superpower that had a tendency to invade and take over smaller and weaker countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb invade differ from other similar words?

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

accused of invading their privacy

When would encroach be a good substitute for invade?

The words encroach and invade 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 is infringe a more appropriate choice than invade?

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

infringing a copyright

Where would trespass be a reasonable alternative to invade?

While the synonyms trespass and invade are close in meaning, trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

Examples 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 invade Plus, Chloe Fineman led a group of Timothée Chalamet impersonators invading the Big Apple by bus. —

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 Nov. 2024 The aid package announced Friday by the Pentagon brings the total amount of military assistance the United States has provided Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022 to $60.4 billion. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 In that time, attacks between Israel and Iranian proxies including Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis have soared, with the Jewish state invading Lebanon in September. —

Natasha Turak, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2024 Examples include Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans, both of which can invade people’s lungs and cause serious pneumonia-like symptoms. —

Matt Kasson, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

And in what many consider the final blow to her mayoral career, Thao’s home was raided by FBI agents in July.

Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Kamal Adwan Hospital was raided by Israeli forces last month over allegations, denied by Palestinian officials, that militants were sheltering there.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024