INVADE Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

invade

verb

in-ˈvād

Definition of invade next

as in to raid

to enter for conquest or plunder a superpower that had a tendency to invade and take over smaller and weaker countries

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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 Gellner said removing the items would reduce the snake's chances of invading her premises. —

Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 16 May 2026 There have been four manager changes, the ongoing drama of chasing unlikely league leaders Hearts, and then that Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Ibrox on penalties that prompted supporters of both teams to invade the pitch. —

Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Moldova has faced a litany of crises that have at times raised fears the country is also in Russia’s crosshairs. —

ABC News, 16 May 2026 The major studios continue not to sell their projects to the territory since the country invaded Ukraine, but Lionsgate does sell to the territory and has had significant success there this year. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Fish arcades are increasingly rare in Charlotte since the Supreme Court’s ruling shut many down, but police have raided locations operating illegally in recent years.

— Jeff A. Chamer May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
With such a dominating presence in the first three seasons of the PWHL, the Frost brass expects their roster to be raided.

— Theodore Tollefson, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026

Definition of raid

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inurns

invade

invaded

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“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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