PENETRATE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of penetrate are enter , pierce , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: When would 'enter' be a good substitute for 'penetrate'?

The words enter and penetrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. // entered the city in triumph

Q: When is 'pierce' a more appropriate choice than 'penetrate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to penetrate , pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When can 'probe' be used instead of 'penetrate'?

The synonyms probe and penetrate are sometimes interchangeable, but probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

penetrate

verb

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt

Definition of penetrate next

as in to pierce

to go or come in or into a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb penetrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetrate are enter, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When would enter be a good substitute for penetrate?

The words enter and penetrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

When is pierce a more appropriate choice than penetrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to penetrate, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When can probe be used instead of penetrate?

The synonyms probe and penetrate are sometimes interchangeable, but probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

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 penetrate Before using any device, wash your face to help the light penetrate the skin, Dr. Shirazi said. —

Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 An internal Treasury report obtained by Bloomberg found that hackers had penetrated at least 400 of the agency’s PCs and stolen more than 3,000 files in a recent breach. —

Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 18 Jan. 2025 These tiny particles from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and wildfires can penetrate deep into our lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing lasting damage to multiple organs via oxidative stress. —

Bill Frist, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 One system fans can follow is the COLD system, as explained by doctors in the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at the University of Kansas Health System: Clean: clean clothes avoid dirt or moisture that could allow the wind and cold to penetrate. —

Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for penetrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate

Verb

The gang, armed with rifles powerful enough to pierce an armored vehicle, is believed to have attacked from an alleyway along a winding dirt road between the embassy and the housing compound that isn’t always visible even when security measures are taken.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
This Ogden piercing fanatic deserves a follow simply for documenting his hilarious transition from TikTok to RedNote, complete with his first lip sync'ed Chinese love song.

— Erin Alberty, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025