TRESPASS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs

Definition of trespass

as in violation

a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in infringement

a failure to uphold the requirements of law, duty, or obligation plagiarism is a serious trespass of academic integrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trespass

2 of 2

verb

ˈtre-ˌspas

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

In Broward County, every arrest — from simple trespass to premeditated murder — comes through the same courtroom, seven days a week. — Corey B. Friedman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Foster was previously arrested during the search on an unrelated EnCon warrant for first-degree criminal trespass, officials said. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Court ruled that easements permitting the location of Line 5 across Tribal lands expired in 2013 and Enbridge in effect has been trespassing since. — Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The area along the Cumberland River where more than 100 people once lived is now encircled by fences and no-trespassing signs. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trespass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass

Noun

The violations on the report include employees not having a food handler card, as well as no drain plugs being seen when observing the plumbing.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
The states argue that Meta withheld relevant information from users and parents, who might have benefited from knowing the ineffectiveness of the feature and others like it, constituting a violation of consumer protection laws.

— John Ruwitch, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of violation

Noun

Last week, rock music photographer Justin Thomas filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against the American painter Elizabeth Peyton, Sotheby’s, and David Zwirner Gallery, as first reported by Copyright Lately.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit asks for a jury trial, an injunction against ongoing and future copyright infringement and unspecified damages.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of infringement

Noun

The scene of the crime, 30 years later There is no monument to Shakur at the corner of Flamingo Road and Koval Lane where he was shot.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Laws regarding incarceration of youthful offenders — age 25 or younger at the time of the crime — have evolved since the siblings were tried.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of crime

Verb

The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fall

Verb

In an affidavit cited by the Dallas Morning News last month, Howard said Wirskye considered the agreement breached after Howard mentioned during opening statements that Anthony was in the chess club, straying beyond the events under the tent.

— Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
But if that’s your go-to, why not stray a little out of your comfort zone by adding some graphic stars?

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of stray

Noun

California’s Proposition 47 reduced certain drug convictions from felonies to misdemeanors and allowed inmates and formerly incarcerated people to petition the court for resentencing.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
On Monday, Hamby was charged with murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, jail records show.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of felony

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trepidation

trespass

trespassed

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“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of trespass

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Synonyms of trespass

noun

verb

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