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 China has occupied Tibet since 1950, when the People’s Liberation Army invaded the Himalayan region. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 Various types of cancer, in which malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues, contributed to between 13,000 and 20,000 deaths annually in this time frame. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 When the United States invaded the Philippines during the Spanish-American War, Twain naively imagined that the country would be liberated and turned into a republic. — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Following the fall of Poland in September 1939, and before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, the absence of sustained military operations created the illusion of normalcy. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for invade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade

Verb

Alaska also demonstrates that the fear that dividends automatically create dependency or invite politicians to raid the principal is overblown.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Added to this, Whitehall has historically faced criticism for treating the armed forces as a budget piggy bank to be raided whenever public funds run short.

— David Szondy July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026

Definition of raid

Verb

Shana McDiarmid and her now-boyfriend, Cameron, are another couple who benefitted from the foundation after their rental property was ravaged thanks to its proximity to the river.

— Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Were civic centers nothing more than Trojan horses designed to ravage humanities departments across the nation?

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of ravage

Verb

The stock-specific approach contrasts with expectations that the surge in Korean and Taiwanese stock markets, dominated by local chip giants, would spill over into China more broadly.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Mexico dominated much of the match, yet England overcame playing most of the second half a man down after a red card.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

There is a wide open space for Democrats to occupy that territory.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of occupy

Verb

According to court documents reviewed by The Times, the model alleges that Sandoval shoved her down a flight of stairs in his home, pushed her to the ground at a hotel in Nashville, and attacked her and her father on June 3.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Electing to keep his No 5 on the field, the Brazil head coach made a subtle tactical tweak that saw Endrick enter the action and brought Matheus Cunha further to the left flank — which unlocked the attacking prowess of Vinicius Junior.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of invade

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