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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 invade Courts have uniformly interpreted the phrase to exclude only children born to people whose allegiance is to another country, such as foreign ambassadors or invading soldiers. —

Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Feb. 2025 Every few years a new buzzword seems to invade our language. —

Lynne Agress, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2025 The items were likely thrown into the lake as part of a religious practice at the end of the Iron Age, around the time the Romans invaded Wales, and the island of Anglesey, Gwilt said in the release. —

Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 Renowned photographer Ryszard Horowitz was born on May 5th, 1939, to a loving family in the historic city of Kraków, the former capital of Poland, but just four months later Nazi Germany invaded Poland, resulting in utter devastation. —

Danuta Hamlin, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Medicare and Medicaid must not be raided to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Hu was a major fundraiser for the mayor’s 2021 campaign and has extensive ties to Winnie Greco, a senior adviser to Adams whose homes were also raided by the feds in February 2024.

— Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025