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 encroachDesigned to hold back the encroaching Gobi Desert and reverse the tide of desertification, the project aims to cover nearly 350,000 square kilometers with trees by 2050—nearly the size of Germany.—Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Arvada West assistant coach Kelly Mulligan, conferring with a Wildcats player in the waning seconds of a tense high school boys basketball game, put his right hand on an encroaching Ralston Valley player and pushed him away from a sideline huddle.—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025 This demon used to be a giant boar, but was driven mad after being shot with an iron bullet, a sign that civilization is irreversibly encroaching on the natural world.—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Brenda Deal, who wants to sell her house there, learned her garage and shed might be encroaching on the right of way, based on GIS maps.—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encroach
Demand for weapons spiked in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has persisted.
—
Lara Jakes,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
The lawsuit claims Eco-Vista has failed to prevent noxious odors and leachate from their trash disposal operation from invading the neighboring homes, interfering with the ability of residents to use and enjoy their homes and property and reducing property values in the area.
This creeping groundcover thrives in dappled shade and is a good choice for the front of a perennial border or growing between trees and shrubs in a woodland garden.
—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Beyond that, temperatures will creep above normal into the weekend and early next week.
Moscow is particularly adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a raft of tactics that can include targeting vital cables snaking along the seabed.
—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
On Tuesday night, 800 lucky Goose fans snaked they way through the Shed at Hudson Yards to enter a world where music and art fused in a swirling, electric dreamscape.
Share