trespass 1 of 2

trespass

2 of 2

verb

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
Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers. Jennifer Safstrom, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 Ten people received trespass warnings, which meant they could be arrested if they were found on the public property again. Abe Aboraya, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
A number of the criminal defendants had ties to New York, as my colleague Ed Shanahan reported, and had been convicted on an array of charges, from trespassing to assaulting law enforcement officers. Shayla Colon, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 The idea behind militarizing the buffer zone is that any apprehensions by service members would be treated similarly to trespassing on a military base, with troops holding migrants until law enforcement arrives. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
Noun
  • Judge Aileen Cannon began presiding over a second copyright infringement lawsuit involving Taylor Swift on Thursday.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, is being sued for copyright infringement.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The vehicle wandered across the road far more than any already ill-handling Defender should, its brakes were weak, and gear shifts were accompanied by a prominent clunk.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The banal village tunes that Mahler altered into sinister mock vulgarities—did these not recall the raffish klezmer bands, the wandering musicians who played at shtetl weddings?
    David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His attorneys and family have rejected the government’s claims, calling his detention unjust and a violation of due process.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That came after Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson was given a pitch-clock violation that led to a walk for the Royals’ Jonathan India.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, that fight fell apart in early March, when a hand injury forced Whyte from the card.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • After an electrical malfunction, Neo had fallen over backward — fainting dead away.
    Cade Metz, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are back at the scene of the crime.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Rick's movie plan with fake director Frank worked Rick has enlisted his newly sober former partner in crime Frank (Sam Rockwell) into the revenge plot.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Addressing the congregation that evening before offering Aaron some more personalized wisdom, Tim speaks about the necessity of accepting Jesus Christ into one’s life to counteract doubt and the temptation to sin.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
  • Again and again, Stan’s Donald spends The Apprentice cataloging the ways in which he has been sinned against.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • Michael Simon, Boynton Beach Yes, a ‘term’ for Trump The only term Donald Trump should receive is a jail or prison term for having been found guilty of 34 felony counts.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was charged with felony conspiracy for allegedly asking a juvenile at the Academy for Urban Scholars in Columbus to commit the murder, according to the probable cause affidavit.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The panel did not stray from their earlier guesses for him, throwing out familiar names like Dave Matthews, Daryl Hall, and Pat Monahan of Train once more.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Kering Eyewear was a pioneer in changing the business model for luxury groups with regard to the eyewear category, straying from the well-trodden licensing business model.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trespass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!