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 Air traveler invades passenger's personal space to snap photos of clouds throughout flight A woman became frustrated on a recent flight to Germany when the passenger seated next to her continuously stretched his arm out to take photos near the window. Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025 Young has never previously played in Ukraine, but he’s been a very vocal backer of the nation ever since it was invaded by Russia in 2022. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025 Ukraine just passed its third-year anniversary since Russia invaded and war broke out. Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Mar. 2025 Leavitt said Friday that Zelenskyy — whose country was invaded three years ago by Russia at the direction of its president, Vladimir Putin — was folding his arms, rolling his eyes and sitting in a way that indicated a lack of respect. Eamon Javers,dan Mangan, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
Verb
  • After it was flagged to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2016, her home was raided.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Shortly thereafter, federal agents raided the Department of Education’s (DOE) headquarters at Tweed Courthouse, searching for further evidence of corruption.
    Matt Gonzales, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • How Helene devastated western North Carolina and left communities in ruins The storm ravaged the terrain alongside I-40, eroding 3 million cubic yards of earth and rock from the mountainside, leaving behind a scarred landscape and a daunting reconstruction challenge.
    Artemis Moshtaghian, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Philadelphia Eagles: The Super Bowl champions will likely be ravaged by free agency, losing a number of their key players such as defensive lineman Josh Sweat, linebacker Zack Baun and defensive lineman Milton Williams, who will likely cash in on last season’s success.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Sunday spotlight Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency have been dominating the headlines in the first few weeks of President Donald Trump’s new administration — at times overshadowing the president himself.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Honestly, Nevermind dominated in 2022 with 204,000 units.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As a first-time founder-CEO running a fast-growing SaaS startup, Morgan had conquered his fair share of challenges at high speeds.
    Alla Adam, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • There is no saving the world, no genocidal maniac trying to conquer new realms.
    Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Oleksandr Prokudin, head of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, which was mostly occupied by Russia early in the war but later partially retaken by Ukrainian forces, said three years of war had hardened his countrymen to the ups and downs of the fight to survive.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The property occupies a sizable 7,500-square-foot lot.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Despite losing all three, there were significant improvements collectively and individually, with contributions from attacking starlets Nico Paz, who scored against Atalanta, and Diao, who got the equaliser against Juventus.
    David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The case, which generated headlines around the world, comes amid rising hostility against Muslims and Palestinians in the U.S. since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.
    Sophia Tareen and Melissa Perez Winder, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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