TRESPASS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'trespass' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trespass are encroach , infringe , and invade . While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion. // hunters trespassing on farmland

Q: When is it sensible to use 'encroach' instead of 'trespass'?

The words encroach and trespass 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 can 'infringe' be used instead of 'trespass'?

In some situations, the words infringe and trespass are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative. // infringing a copyright

Q: When is 'invade' a more appropriate choice than 'trespass'?

The meanings of invade and trespass largely overlap; however, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. // accused of invading their privacy

trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs

Definition of trespass next

as in offence

a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in infringement

a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation plagiarism is a serious trespass of academic integrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trespass

2 of 2

verb

ˈtre-ˌspas

as in to wander

to commit an offense I consider him to be trespassing against all of us when he trespasses against any one of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trespass differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trespass are encroach, infringe, and invade. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of trespass?

The words encroach and trespass 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 can infringe be used instead of trespass?

In some situations, the words infringe and trespass are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is invade a more appropriate choice than trespass?

The meanings of invade and trespass largely overlap; however, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

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 trespass

Noun

He was charged with three misdemeanors: one count of criminal trespass to an occupied residence and two counts of criminal damage to property. —

Gil MacIas, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 In addition to revoking the criminal trespass notices, advocates are calling on the university to reinstate the SJP chapter, return property and launch an independent investigation into how the decisions to raid the sisters' home and issue the trespass notices were made. —

Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

Li was arrested the next day for allegedly trespassing at Mar-a-Lago. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 8 Nov. 2024 At one time, the property required 24-hour security due to trespassing concerns. —

Will McGough, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trespass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass

Noun

The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement in 2023.

Sara Fischer, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
Clearly communicating what data is being collected and how it’s being used, as well as allowing consumers to opt out of data collection, is critical for avoiding privacy infringements.

Thomas Zawacki, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025