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
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Recent Examples of infringeAn exhibit to the complaint lists more than 150 works that were allegedly infringed — meaning damages from the lawsuit, if Disney and Universal win, could top $20 million.—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 Lauren Gaw alleges that UnitedHealth Group, which owns the local surgery center through a series of subsidiaries, violated several California laws prohibiting employers from infringing on their employees’ political views and activities.—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 Neely’s company has challenged AI platforms for generating content that allegedly infringes on its clients’ intellectual property, both individual and corporate.—Zach Vallese, CNBC, 19 June 2025 There is no way to have a national police force empowered to conduct arrests without explanation that doesn’t infringe on everyone’s rights and our basic legal protections.—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for infringe
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.
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Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
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.
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.
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Todd Gilchrist,
IndieWire,
11 July 2025
However, reality can’t help but impinge on daily life.
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.
Now entrenched in a potential 14-billion-euro hostile takeover, BBVA has decided to keep its bid alive despite a recent condition from the Spanish government that the takeover may only proceed if the two banks do not integrate their operations for at least three years.
—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
2 July 2025
The initiative aims to foster pathways for diverse performers and professionals to entrench themselves more deeply in Nashville's mainstream country industry.
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