Synonyms of invade

invade

verb

in-ˈvād 

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

• raid
• ravage
• dominate
• conquer
• occupy
• attack
• overrun
• overcome
• encroach
• subjugate
• plunder
• subdue
• overwhelm
• despoil
• besiege
• pillage
• foray (into)
• vanquish
• assault
• overpower
• sack
• fight
• strip
• assail
• loot
• harass
• ransack
• maraud
• storm
• trespass
• war (with)
• subject
• infringe
• combat
• beset
• rush
• strike
• crush
• battle
• clash (with)
• garrison
• charge
• blockade
• invest
• beleaguer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• safeguard
• guard
• resist
• ward
• shield
• oppose
• withstand
• repel
• defy
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• cede (to)
• capitulate (to)

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

Recent Examples of invade

Watermelon Pictures, the company founded by brothers Badie and Hamza Ali, earned an Oscar nomination this year for The Voice of Hind Rajab, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, a film set in Gaza based on the true story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in 2024 by invading Israeli forces. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

In March 2018, supporter Paul Colborne protested against the board by invading the pitch during a league game against Burnley and planting the corner flag in the centre circle. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

An invading army of tens of thousands of soldiers led by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, an influential commander and later dictator of Rome, stormed the town’s walls with slings and catapults. —Taylor Mitchell Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026

But there are serious downsides to growing this invasive plant, which can threaten trees, damage houses, and invade forests. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026