ENTER Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'enter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate , pierce , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. // entered the city in triumph

Q: Where would 'penetrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'enter'?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: When can 'pierce' be used instead of 'enter'?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When is it sensible to use 'probe' instead of 'enter'?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

enter

verb

ˈen-tər

Definition of enter next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into the hikers entered the cave with considerable caution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to join

to become a member of patriotic young men and women entering the armed services debutantes entering society

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as in to record

to put (someone or something) on a list new voters fill out a form and elections officials enter their names into the database

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delete

as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the club enters only five new members a year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb enter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

Where would penetrate be a reasonable alternative to enter?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When can pierce be used instead of enter?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When is it sensible to use probe instead of enter?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

Examples 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 enter Adults, via pantomime theater with its madcap themes and nursery archetypes, could receive permission to enter these states as well. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 18 Dec. 2024 At the port of Nogales, tens of millions of pounds of produce enter every day. —

Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2024 From there, enter one code at a time and redeem the rewards. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 When Is Mars Retrograde? From Dec. 6 through Feb. 23, according to In The Sky, Mars will enter retrograde motion, a period of about 10 weeks where the red planet will appear to move backward in the sky. —

Jamie Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enter

Verb

But at the same time, the work does penetrate my dreams or my sleep.

Selome Hailu, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
When cultivating, go over the area lightly, setting blades to penetrate only ¼ inch deep.

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024