INFRINGE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'infringe' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach , invade , and trespass . While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative. // infringing a copyright

Q: When is it sensible to use 'encroach' instead of 'infringe'?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'invade' be used instead of 'infringe'?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe , invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another. // accused of invading their privacy

Q: When might 'trespass' be a better fit than 'infringe'?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but trespass implies an unwarranted or unlawful intrusion. // hunters trespassing on farmland

infringe

verb

Definition of infringe next

as in to violate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to impinge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infringe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infringe are encroach, invade, and trespass. While all these words mean "to make inroads upon the property, territory, or rights of another," infringe implies an encroachment clearly violating a right or prerogative.

infringing a copyright

When is it sensible to use encroach instead of infringe?

In some situations, the words encroach and infringe are roughly equivalent. However, 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 invade be used instead of infringe?

While in some cases nearly identical to infringe, invade implies a hostile and injurious entry into the territory or sphere of another.

accused of invading their privacy

When might trespass be a better fit than infringe?

The synonyms trespass and infringe are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 infringe In Friday's filing, Trump said the Jan. 19 sale deadline ties the hands of his incoming administration and he should be given the chance to find a solution that won't infringe on the First Amendment. —

Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024 The parents had argued the law infringed on their due process right to make decisions about their children's medical care, but the justices are not considering that question. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2024 TikTok fought in court, arguing the ban infringes on the company’s First Amendment rights, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit last week denied its petition to review the law and upheld the ban. —

Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, argue the law infringes on private medical decisions. —

Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infringe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe

Verb

This practice allegedly violates the copyrights of millions of artists, yet accountability remains murky.

Virginie Berger, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
All three officials violated the department's confidentiality and media policy by leaking the information, while one of the officials also violated the department's social media policy by sharing the articles to an official department social media account.

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024