INFRINGE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

infringe

verb

Definition of infringe next

as in to violate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impinge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 TikTok has denied any wrongdoing or having any links to the Chinese government, claiming in a lawsuit the law infringes on the company’s First Amendment rights. —

Ty Roush, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 But free speech advocates — like the Free Speech Coalition, which is challenging Texas' law — say such rules could infringe upon adults' First Amendment rights. —

Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 Last week an attorney for TikTok had argued before the Supreme Court that a bipartisan law that mandated the sale or ban infringed on the company’s First Amendment rights. —

Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025 Precinct brass need to figure out legit parking that meets the needs of officers without infringing on the community. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for infringe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe

Verb

Privacy experts told ProPublica that companies that shared information with the NSSF may have violated federal and state prohibitions against deceptive and unfair business practices.

— Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025
Someone deleting your hateful comments on their posts and/or blocking you on social media didn't violate your rights.

— Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 5 Feb. 2025