Synonyms for

Invasion

Verb / ˌɪˈnveɪʒʌn / Another word for invasion — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of entering a place or territory with an armed force to conquer or occupy it.

Synonyms & similar words

encroachment intrusion attack assault incursion inroad foray raid onslaught offensive occupation conquest subjugation annexation capture seizure takeover overthrow infiltration penetration invasionary invasionist

Synonyms by register

Formal

incursion trespass encroachment intrusion

Informal

break-in raid swarming

Literary

onslaught irruption descent

Antonyms

retreat withdrawal departure evacuation surrender repulsion

Common collocations

  • military invasion
  • foreign invasion
  • alien invasion
  • hostile invasion
  • invasion force
  • invasion of privacy
  • invasion of territory

Word family

noun invasion
verb invade
adjective invasive

Usage note

While 'invasion' often refers to military action, it can also describe a large-scale influx of something unwelcome, such as 'an invasion of tourists' or 'an invasion of pests'. The adjective 'invasive' is commonly used for plants or species that spread aggressively.

Example sentences

  1. The ants' invasion of the picnic basket was a disaster.
  2. The invasion of privacy is a serious issue.
  3. The Vikings' invasion of England lasted for several years.
  4. The alien invasion in the movie was very scary.
  5. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a controversial decision.

Quotes

  • The invasion of Iraq will surely go down in history as one of the biggest foreign policy blunders of our time. - Bernie Sanders
  • The invasion of Iraq was a bandit act, an act of blatant state terrorism, demonstrating absolute contempt for the concept of international law. - Harold Pinter
  • The invasion of Iraq was a war of choice, not necessity. - Barack Obama

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