Thesaurus results for ENCROACH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

encroach

verb

in-ˈkrōch

Definition of encroach next

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

Examples 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 Shares of Nvidia increased by more than 2% Monday, ending at a record close and encroaching on Apple’s standing as the world’s most valuable company. —

Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 These are characters who, in approaching middle age, have lost all hope for the future, and remain on the run from encroaching fascistic phantoms. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Sep. 2024 But Arm has been encroaching into x86 territory lately—as seen by its increasing popularity in the hyperscale datacenter and its new role in Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC initiative. —

Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 The city is encroaching on them by encouraging new housing. —

Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for encroach

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encroach

Verb

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, gold prices saw a 10% jump.

Sanford Mann, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Peanut’s account boasts over 680,000 followers, but what used to be home to a sneaky little rodent that liked to ride on his owner’s shoulders and invade his bowls of oats is now a stage for mourning, fundraising, and activism following his death.

Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024