TRESPASS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs

Definition of trespass next

as in offence

a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in infringement

a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation plagiarism is a serious trespass of academic integrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trespass

2 of 2

verb

ˈtre-ˌspas

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

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 trespass

Noun

But Madison Bumgarner yelling at hitters for no apparent trespass? —

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024 The claim accuses authorities of violating the couple's rights by taking the animals, invasion of privacy and trespass, among other claims. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

Verb

On their way to check out their family property, a group of teenagers trespassed on the land of a nearby house, home of the monstrous, chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. —

Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 People threw at least three green flares onto the field, stopping play, and a pair of fans trespassed the diamond in the ninth inning before security guards tackled them. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trespass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass

Noun

Those who wish to participate will be able to create and own their own digital likenesses, which the agency believes will help protect those clients against copyright infringement and allow talent to make more money.

Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Collectors are now, apparently, willing to pay a premium for the rights to an idea, however easily that idea can be replicated in ways that skirt the line of copyright or design patent infringement.

Lilian Raji, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024