invade

verb

in-ˈvād How to pronounce invade (audio)
Definition of invadenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 All of this is subsequent to Moscow invading Crimea in 2014 and holding it to this day. — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025 Some conservatives continue to favor aid for the nation Russia invaded, a stance resembling the anti-Russia position of the Cold War, updated for a world of American hegemony. — David Byrne, National Review, 23 Mar. 2025 All of this is subsequent to invading Crimea in 2014 and holding it to this day. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 The administration argues that members of Tren de Aragua have invaded the U.S. and are a national security threat. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invade
  1. raid
  2. ravage
  3. dominate
  4. conquer
  5. occupy
  6. attack
Verb
  • People were killed after soldiers and paramilitary forces raided the neighborhood of Raboteau after a demonstration in support of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Chit Thu has denied knowing about or benefiting from the scamming and trafficking operations in his territory, and said in a recent press conference that the BGF is raiding the compounds with the aim of eradicating them.
    — Teele Rebane, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of raid
Verb
  • Myanmar, which has been facing tough times since the military coup in 2021—as well as being ravaged by a recent earthquake—faces 44 percent tariffs.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Abroad, the killings have tanked the new authorities’ hopes of legitimizing their rule before the international community and of ending sanctions on a country ravaged by nearly 14 years of civil war.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of ravage
Verb
  • The first is China which globally has dominated solar capacity increase in 2024.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Just two decades ago, traditional media companies and regulated broadcasters dominated public discourse.
    — Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • This year, he was tasked with conquering the opponent’s best hitters in Game 1, and that doesn’t figure to change.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Channel this passion into some focused new moon intentions on April 27, but don’t let yourself be driven by a sheer need to conquer.
    — Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • The Israeli military will expand its ground operation in Gaza to occupy 25% of the enclave over the next two to three weeks, a senior Israeli official said in a briefing with reporters on Monday.
    — Barak Ravid, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
  • New tenants may soon occupy federal office space.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of occupy
Verb
  • Aged 30, Makelele had been converted from an attacking midfielder to a deep-lying, anchoring midfielder that would protect his back line and hoover up any defensive actions that came anywhere near his orbit.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Ash People, who bear red headdresses and have ash smeared across their faces, then attack Jake and Neytiri with a barrage of flaming arrows.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of attack

Browse Nearby Words

inurns
invade
invaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invade. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of invade for Spanish Speakers

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