trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs How to pronounce trespass (audio)
Definition of trespassnext
1
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
2
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 How to pronounce trespass (audio)
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
They have each been charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, violation of local law, possession of burglar's tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, according to sources. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Police arrested the pair on charges of burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal tampering, possession of burglar's tools, disorderly conduct and other offenses. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
How the climbing couple got past security Prosecutors told the judge on July 2 that the defendants had trespassed overnight in the building before making the climb. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Instead of Cady as rapist, Cape Fear seems to be going for a general theme of Cady as violator, someone who is trespassing not singularly on a female body but on the Bowdens’ trustworthiness. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
  1. violation
  2. infringement
  3. wander
  4. crime
  5. fall
  6. sin
  7. stray
  8. felony
Noun
  • Lawyers in the gas station lawsuit assert that technology is enabling antitrust violations.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • The Bill of Rights establishes the rights of the people against infringements by the State.
    — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026
  • In April of last year, state media reported on a case in which the Supreme People’s Court ruled on a copyright infringement dispute, ordering the infringing party to pay 46,000 yuan (around $6,000) in damages.
    — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
Definition of infringement
Verb
  • However, because his hearing aids connected directly to the ringtone, the two ended up wandering around the house, using the changing volume to narrow down its location instead of listening for the phone itself.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Modeled after a European village, the collection of boutiques, restaurants, and attractions is a great place to wander.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Definition of wander
Noun
  • He was convicted of that crime and given 96 months of probation, according to the press release.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
  • In a press release, Bonta reiterated his commitment to combating hate in California, and said the data obtained are accessible and critical to stopping such crimes in the state.
    — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of crime
Verb
  • The woman fell about 1,500 vertical feet, from around 12,000 feet to about 11,500 feet.
    — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The report will also provide insight into whether American workers’ paychecks are falling further behind inflation.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of fall
Noun
  • The angels, still in disguise as men, inform Lot that the city will be destroyed as punishment for its sins.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Solidaridad sin Fronteras has 58,000 health professionals among its members.
    — Sarah Moreno July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of sin
Verb
  • Close to half of Americans believe the country has strayed significantly from the nation's founding principles.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • Finally, the report argues that Yale has strayed from its focus on rigor and academic excellence.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of stray
Noun
  • Garrett eventually pleaded guilty on a felony domestic battery count in the 2023 stabbing, court records show.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 6 July 2026
  • He was booked in San Diego jail on suspicion of a felony parole violation.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of felony

Browse Nearby Words

trepidation
trespass
trespassed
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Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trespass

Nglish: Translation of trespass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trespass

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