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

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 Israel has waged war in the Gaza Strip, invaded southern Lebanon and seized territory in Syria, as well as launching two air campaigns against Iran. — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026 But when his ice cream-eating schoolmates begin slaughtering their parents overnight, seemingly fueled by the wafting sound of the truck jingle and old-timey black-and-white animations invading their phones, Jared seems like the lucky one. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Because of this work, countless young women have been guaranteed that males will not invade their sports. — Riley Gaines Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 In 1982, after Israel invaded the civil war–torn country, a rift opened inside the Reagan administration. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Members of the Montreal City Police Department found the weapon, a Glock 26, on August 30, 2024, when officers raided a home in relation to a kidnapping investigation, court records show.

— Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
In September of 2022, Spanish police arrested an Irishman suspected of laundering money for the Kinahan organization after raiding a property in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of raid

Verb

Nigeria have dominated the continental competition since its inception and had never missed a semifinal in the tournament’s 35-year history.

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Chinese vendors dominate, shipping 97% of units, while Chinese buyers absorb 85% of demand.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

Greatest Hits has previously conquered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums ranking.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The waters around Sicily, which was colonized by the ancient Greeks and later conquered by the Romans around 240 BC, constituted one of the ancient world’s most important trade routes.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

Israeli forces currently occupy more than half of Gaza, in the east and south of the territory.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Some occupy the farmhouses on the lower slope, overlooking the cobbled courtyard and Mediterranean herb gardens, while others are slightly further up and offer panoramic views of the Panzano valley.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of occupy

Verb

New arrival Maghnes Akliouche adds another attacking option this summer, while the signing of Lucas Digne from Villa gives this particular fixture an early subplot, with the full-back facing his old club straight out of the gate.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
The woman was in the Silver River in Marion County, just south of Gainesville, when she was attacked on the arm on Saturday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

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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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of invade

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