trespass 1 of 2

trespass

2 of 2

verb

as in to wander
to commit an offense I consider him to be trespassing against all of us when he trespasses against any one of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trespass differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trespass are encroach, infringe, and invade. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion.

hunters trespassing on farmland

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of trespass?

The words encroach and trespass 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 can infringe be used instead of trespass?

In some situations, the words infringe and trespass are roughly equivalent. However, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is invade a more appropriate choice than trespass?

The meanings of invade and trespass largely overlap; however, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

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 trespass
Noun
Of the 80 protesters arrested, two were given summonses for disorderly conduct while the rest were given desk appearance tickets to appear in court at a later date on trespass charges, NYPD officials said. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 Sal’s attempt to patch up his parental standing toward Molly draws sympathy, but is routinely dramatized across too few sequences that lend scant insight toward what got them to this trespass. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Guards are to do room checks for unauthorized guests and to handle any issues, like trespassing complaints. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 The lawsuit argued that the two oil companies were public nuisances, that their pollution was trespassing into the counties, and that their pollution violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
Noun
  • For instance, author George R.R. Martin and the New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement last year.
    Deepa Nagraj, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The music publishing company has accused the tech company of copyright infringement and is now seeking over $109 million in damages, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Then of course, there’s wandering through some of the region’s rich history.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • July is your season to wander off the map and breathe easier.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Those participating in races can receive up to a $250 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail on the first violation, up to a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail for the second violation, and up to a $1,000 fine and/or and up to six months in jail for a third.
    Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
  • Most violations were corrected during the inspection.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Reckoning for three weekends, but the Tom Cruise-starrer fell only 31 percent in its fourth outing to $10.3 million from 2,942 theaters for a domestic tally of $166.3 million.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2025
  • What once looked like a promising season is falling apart for the Kansas City Royals.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Release date: Friday, June 20 Cast: Guy Pearce, Cosmo Jarvis, Vincent Miller, Toby Wallace Director-screenwriter: Charles Williams 1 hour 43 minutes Inside is not the usual story of damnation or redemption, of the unbreakable cycles of crime or even the virtues of rehabilitation, like Sing Sing.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • Baraka, whose national profile soared after his arrest at an ICE facility in Newark, has campaigned on a record of lower crime in the city and a more progressive governing agenda, paid for by a higher corporate tax.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Addressing the congregation that evening before offering Aaron some more personalized wisdom, Tim speaks about the necessity of accepting Jesus Christ into one’s life to counteract doubt and the temptation to sin.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
  • Again and again, Stan’s Donald spends The Apprentice cataloging the ways in which he has been sinned against.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • She was additionally fined $40,000 and ordered to pay the $120,000 judgment, as well as give a DNA sample relating to her felony charge.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • More than four years after his arrest on a felony perjury charge, the trial of former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie could finally take place next week.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Most of those were probably hobbyists who strayed into restricted airspace, the defense official said.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 June 2025
  • Thanks, Mom, for leading the way all these years with your sneaker style that never strayed.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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