infringe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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 invade be used instead of infringe?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 infringe Other speakers Monday said girls’ rights were being infringed by allowing trans athletes to participate in their sports. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 Still, some have argued that the new law could infringe on the First Amendment. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 2025 The letter expresses concern that the moratorium infringes on states’ sovereignty and would jeopardize public safety and California’s efforts to foster innovation while protecting consumers in the AI space. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 24 May 2025 The complaint cites songs and music videos from Swift's albums Lover, Folklore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department as allegedly infringing works. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe
Verb
  • In its petition, the questions presented by CCB were: Does a state violate the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses by denying a religious organization an otherwise-available tax exemption because the organization does not meet the state’s criteria for religious behavior?
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Kansas City’s prosecutor also filed charges against Abarca in municipal court Wednesday, accusing Abarca of knowingly violating the protective order by failing to return the boy to Garcia as of Monday night.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The school counters that the government has no right to impinge on its academic freedom and independence, especially its emphasis on diversity and tolerance.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025
  • Memories, both fresh and long-held, impinge on the present of our main characters.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some versions held for over 40 days before decomposition breached the barrier.
    Peter Cummings, Scientific American, 3 June 2025
  • Google also censors certain prompts and outputs that breach the company's content agreement.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Amid President Trump’s threats to start a global trade war, invade Greenland, seize control of the Panama Canal and annex Canada, this story has gone virtually unnoticed: Cuba is going through its worst economic crisis in decades — maybe since the 1959 revolution.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
  • The conflict began in 2022 when Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Markets have a way of violently intruding on wishful thinking.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
  • Administration officials have blasted the judges who’ve blocked Trump’s tariffs, accusing them of intruding on presidential authority.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • This dangerous precedent should alarm anyone who believes the rule of law must serve justice rather than entrench systemic inequality.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • With Austin Wells entrenched as the Yankees’ starting catcher, J.C Escarra has been working as the backup.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infringe. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infringe

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