trespass 1 of 2

noun

ˈtre-spəs How to pronounce trespass (audio)
Definition of trespassnext
1
as in violation
a breaking of a moral or legal code forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 How to pronounce trespass (audio)
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
In January 2025, the Commissioners Court approved a policy along party lines giving sheriff’s deputies the ability to issue trespass warnings to anyone in violation of the decorum policy. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026 He was previously arrested on charges police described as a string of vehicle trespass and property thefts. — Sarah Ford, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
People will be able to legally — and easily — access the property without trespassing. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 To that end, players of Belmira’s City by Michael Heizer [Free Version], which anyone can try by clicking here, must start behind an intentionally obtrusive no-trespassing fence. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trespass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trespass
  1. violation
  2. infringement
  3. wander
  4. crime
  5. fall
  6. sin
  7. stray
  8. felony
Noun
  • If Paul Baker wins, Nina will report the zoning violation that is their household.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Other alleged violations — which total 23 in all — range from not having any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property to failing to maintain the building in a structurally safe and stable condition.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • Last week, rock music photographer Justin Thomas filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against the American painter Elizabeth Peyton, Sotheby’s, and David Zwirner Gallery, as first reported by Copyright Lately.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit asks for a jury trial, an injunction against ongoing and future copyright infringement and unspecified damages.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of infringement
Verb
  • And, conversely, which (if any) caused folks to wander off hunting for a Pronto Pup instead.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026
  • And naturally your eyes wander where there is the most roster bloat — either at the tight end position (five players) or the offensive line (10).
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of wander
Noun
  • Which of these adults will have their real estate crimes interrupted by those meddling kids and their puppy?
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The plan involves the United States taking more direct control over Venezuelan reserves as crime and steep logistical challenges discourage private investors.
    — Evan Halper, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of crime
Verb
  • The continent's sweltering summer has meanwhile boosted demand for air conditioning and other energy-hungry appliances at a time when demand for gas, widely used for Europe's heating and cooking needs, naturally falls.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Oscar winner paired a leopard-print Givenchy fall 2026 dress and the fashion house’s modern take on T-strap high heels.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fall
Noun
  • Van Staden was joined in the sin-bin in the next minute by Cobus Reinach for a deliberate knock-on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In academia, there is no greater sin than passing off another’s work as one’s own.
    — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of sin
Verb
  • But don’t expect anything that strays too far from the Interpol sound.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • My biggest challenge as an artist that’s been doing this for close to 20 years now is to try not to be overly redundant with your material, but then try not to stray away from what butters your biscuit.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stray
Noun
  • In November, she was indicted on seven additional felony charges related to a false claim of pregnancy involving a second victim, per Mitchell.
    — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • As quotas for immigration arrests increased that spring, he was asked to press felony charges for even minor aggressions against agents.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of felony

Browse Nearby Words

trepidation
trespass
trespassed
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Cite this Entry

“Trespass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trespass. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trespass

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trespass

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