encroach

verb

in-ˈkrōch How to pronounce encroach (audio)
Definition of encroachnext
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 Despite their ideal of maintaining separate identities, Sarah’s sensibilities are slowly encroaching on Len’s space. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 14 Oct. 2026 Kitchen island seating should never encroach on your workspace. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 More than 100 Palestinian communities have been displaced or erased by the settler violence and the ever-encroaching sheep. — Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 However, the brand’s initial dominance has gradually waned, according to insiders, as competing brands have encroached on Fenty Beauty’s market share. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encroach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroach
  1. invade
  2. creep
  3. snake
Verb
  • The day after Israel's modern independence, the armies of Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, with a Saudi contingent in tow, invaded.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Putin’s statements, in an interview with Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin broadcast late Thursday, doubled down on his claims to territory in Ukraine that Russia invaded and illegally annexed in 2022.
    — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • Eisenkot is viewed by supporters as a capable leader with sterling security credentials who, along with his likely governing partners, could act as a bulwark against creeping illiberalism.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • LePage’s decision to spend more time in Florida after leaving the governor’s mansion has also crept into the consideration of at least some voters following a drumbeat of attacks by Dunlap.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of creep
Verb
  • The pair notices that others can’t make calls, either; a restaurant loses its checkout interface; and everyone is snaking cords around to keep devices charged for the moment when service returns.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, the idea of comically long private paths snaking through fragile wetlands so a lucky few can get to their boats wasn’t popular with the public.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of snake

Browse Nearby Words

encouraging
encroach
encroached
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Cite this Entry

“Encroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encroach. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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