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 Now, for the first time, it's been found to be extremely effective in blocking pain signals – by invading a key pain receptor. —

New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024 In 1994: Russian tanks and troops invaded its largely Muslim territory Chechnya to try to quash the secessionist rebellion after a three-year push for independence that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. —

Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 11 Dec. 2024 Israel invaded southern Lebanon in October as part of an escalation of their conflict with Hezbollah. —

Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024 In a report released Wednesday, the organization listed facts about the war, which began Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas invaded Israel with a surprise attack and took more than 250 people captive. —

Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Daniel Karmann | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Adidas’ German headquarters was raided on Tuesday in connection with a yearslong tax investigation, the company confirmed to CNBC in a statement.

Gabrielle Fonrouge,Jessica Golden, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
Also, in 2021, the place was raided by the F.B.I. Check for bugs.

Dan Greene, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024