encroach

verb

in-ˈkrōch How to pronounce encroach (audio)
Definition of encroachnext
as in to invade
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits each year the sea continues to encroach upon the island's beaches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb encroach differ from other similar words?

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

Where would infringe be a reasonable alternative to encroach?

The words infringe and encroach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When can invade be used instead of encroach?

The words invade and encroach can be used in similar contexts, but invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When could trespass be used to replace encroach?

While the synonyms trespass and encroach 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 encroach Gangs and drug traffickers are increasingly encroaching on Ashaninka land and using the rivers in the Amazon and adjacent land for drug routes. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 Stark said developers have encroached on her community in Chandler. — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2026 Ironically, as frontier labs increasingly encroach on the businesses of other firms, those firms have gotten louder along the same lines. — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Meanwhile, rescues and evacuations were underway in northern Minnesota, where over a dozen fires caused by lightning strikes were burning and encroaching on remote campsites. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for encroach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroach
  1. invade
  2. creep
  3. snake
Verb
  • Trump has repeatedly threatened to invade Kharg Island or otherwise broaden military operations throughout the conflict as Tehran has continued launching missiles and drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Many invasive plants have invaded natural areas from gardens.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • Eventually, a car or a minivan will creep down the narrow dirt road, ready to collect migrants who have paid at least $1,000 for GPS coordinates and guidance on how to get across.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Many of the dummies evolved admirably over the competition’s final hour, complete with fine laugh lines and subtle details like creeping wisps of nose hair, which were gingerly applied with tweezers and Krazy Glue.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of creep
Verb
  • Here, too, there were echoes of Keegan’s blissful early days, when queues snaked outside the stadium hours before kick-off and every victory felt like alchemy.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The new district snakes up through Kansas City’s urban core, in an attempt to create a district more favorable for Republicans in the 5th District.
    — Jack Harvel July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of snake

Browse Nearby Words

encouraging
encroach
encroached
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Encroach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encroach. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encroach

Nglish: Translation of encroach for Spanish Speakers

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