encroaching

Definition of encroachingnext
present participle of encroach
as in creeping
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 encroaching Coyotes are encroaching on urban areas, and have killed household pets and livestock, while sometimes also biting humans. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Next to him on the catwalk-slash-stage, Marguerite LeRolland, senior global insight manager at data analytics firm Euromonitor, spoke about the shifting political landscape and encroaching economic pressures. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 23 Jan. 2026 Amazon has been increasingly encroaching on Walmart’s turf, even as Walmart bolsters its e-commerce operations, signaling its intent to further expand its physical footprint and grocery offerings. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026 Trimming encroaching ivy protects fences, trees, and property by preventing rot, storm damage, and moisture buildup that attracts pests. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026 Acura sold 30,235 of them last year, with the cheaper, new-for-2025 Acura ADX likely encroaching on its turf. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 Jan. 2026 There are many regulations and legal precedents indicating who is responsible for encroaching landscaping, fence issues, parking problems and more. Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 13 Jan. 2026 Nobody wants to deal with our old devil, even if the new one comes with an encroaching open threat actively bubbling in the Caribbean and Latin America at large. Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026 Twelves went to the left flank of the fire, which was encroaching on homes off Altadena Drive alongside Eaton Canyon. Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroaching
Verb
  • And if this keeps up, the Hornets have a legitimate chance to end the NBA’s longest current playoff drought, which is creeping in on a full decade.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Balancing weight loss with bone health Helpful strategies to prevent weight regain related to diet include building meals around lean protein and noticing where calories might be creeping in, such as snacks, sugary drinks and alcohol.
    Amy J. Sheer, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has stressed that the agency is not invading or raiding classrooms.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Infantino was also pressed on the calls for countries to boycott this year’s World Cup due to concerns relating to Trump’s rhetoric around invading Greenland and his domestic immigration policies.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Encroaching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encroaching. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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