invade

Synonym Chooser

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 Both streams and especially sales of many of Swift's most famous albums grew considerably, and the superstar invades the Top Album Sales ranking with multiple comebacks as several classics from her discography soar. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Kamiya doubled down by saying the United States drove Russia to invade Ukraine, causing a media firestorm that prompted some Japanese politicians to urge an investigation into potential election interference by Russia. Mireya Solís, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025 Da Empoli’s 2022 novel bases Baranov on Putin’s real-life former aide and fixer Vladislav Surkov, whose purview included overseeing Russia’s relationship with Ukraine; he was dismissed from his post in February 2020, two years before Russia invaded Ukraine. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025 Civil libertarians say the systems do little to prevent crime and can be used to invade privacy and chill free speech on campus in an age of protest. John Wisely, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • Jordan Garcia, a veteran community organizer with the Colorado branch of the American Friends Service Committee, travelled to Cedar Run, one of the Denver housing complexes that was raided, to record video and provide assistance.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Private equity firms have long cultivated a reputation for raiding Wall Street’s analyst pool, to the point where investment banks had to establish stronger boundaries recently.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s what happened to 64-year-old retired nurse Donna Niebauer when, over the course of one terrifying night, Hurricane Helene ravaged her peaceful mountain community of Burnsville, North Carolina and cut off power for more than two months.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Yes, the Lions were bounced from the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but to be fair, they were absolutely ravaged by injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The division’s ‘Big Six’ dominated spending again, though that was hardly new.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the Chinese foldable phone category, Huawei dominates with a 75% share of the market, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC).
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Deftones’ History on the Streaming Ranking Deftones first conquered the Hard Rock Streaming Songs list just last month.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Netanyahu initially said Israel would conquer all of Gaza after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down in July.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The building had been occupied the last 41 years by Los Vaqueros, which started in a smaller location nearby.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • As the region’s megadrought continues, roaming mammals, like black bears and mountain lions, may start to occupy larger ranges, widening their territory in the search for water and other resources.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Mastantuono, 18, has the characteristics to contribute from a deeper position, but his signing was intended for more attacking areas, as is being seen.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • An elderly Arkansas man is in the hospital after a black bear attacked him in Franklin County on Wednesday.
    Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invade

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!