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 Meet the Press: GOP Sen. James Lankford says that the U.S. won’t invade Greenland despite Trump’s previous comments. —

Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025 Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, at least 150 Ukrainian scientists and hundreds of students have perished—on the front lines, in mortar and rocket attacks on cities, or murdered by Russian troops. —

Byscience News Staff, science.org, 9 Jan. 2025 Certain cosmetic treatments have invaded the cultural lexicon over the years, becoming veritable household names. —

Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025 During Biden’s presidency, Russia invaded Ukraine, and Hamas attacked Israel, taking 251 Israeli and some American citizens hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. —

Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Listen to this article On Oct. 1, 2020, federal agents raided the home of an Adams County man.

Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025
This small insectivorous bird disappeared as rats raided its nests.

Scott Travers, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025