TRESPASS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs

Definition of trespass next

as in offence

a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Days later, she was arrested again at the Seattle airport on December 27 for criminal trespass without a ticket for a flight after an officer recognized her from her first arrest, court records show. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025 One large trespass tow company in Connecticut that has faced scrutiny is MyHoopty, which is based in Watertown, a small town northwest of New Haven. —

Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 5 Jan. 2025

Verb

People who have been trespassed from an area and continue to sleep could be arrested. —

Abe Aboraya, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025 The nonprofit tried to stop homeless people from trespassing in the building during the past few months by covering doors and installing fencing. —

Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trespass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass

Noun

Over 2,500 detections of infringement are included in the initial takedown notices.

— Jem Aswad, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025
The size of the penalties will depend on the infringement and size of the company fined.

— Ryan Browne, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025