infringe

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

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 infringe Lululemon is suing Costco for allegedly infringing on intellectual property rights by producing similar clothing items at significantly lower prices. Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 July 2025 The case centered on whether the school infringed on the religious rights of parents by refusing to allow their children to opt out of reading LGBTQ storybooks in the classroom. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 27 June 2025 The company states that Shein has infringed on one design copyright and four photograph copyrights. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025 In both cases, humans were inadvertently infringing on the shark’s space. Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infringe
Verb
  • According to a spokesperson for the National Police Association, there are too many people violating home detention in Maryland who are committing crimes while wearing their ankle monitors.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
  • Last year, the Department of Justice sued Legends for violating federal waiting period requirements related to its acquisition of ASM Global, which was the former operator of Pechanga Arena San Diego.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • We’re supposed to all get together and make our government without the church impinging upon the state, but nonetheless, so much legislation and so much policy.
    Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
  • However, reality can’t help but impinge on daily life.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Images taken by wildlife photographer Isaac Ogden show the creatures breaching the surface near the rocky coastline.
    Brendan Rascius July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • However, Vought and the OMB have seized upon the testimony as proof that the Fed may have breached the National Capital Planning Act by making unapproved changes to the renovation plans.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Russia has suffered about a million casualties in its attempt to invade.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The men’s national team has been invaded by foreigners.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Those with high-quality schedules are much more likely to say the opposite—that their job rarely intrudes.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • In ornamental beds, install cardboard rings under the mulch around perennial or annual plants to stop weeds from intruding.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Part of what makes fans so entrenched in sports is the unpredictability of it all.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Most faces in the room were already entrenched in long-term deals, but the Broncos did work quickly in free agency to bring back reserve tackle Matt Peart on a two-year deal.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infringe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infringe. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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