PIERCE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter , penetrate , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When might 'enter' be a better fit than 'pierce'?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 'penetrate' a more appropriate choice than 'pierce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce , penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: Where would 'probe' be a reasonable alternative to 'pierce'?

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

pierce

verb

ˈpirs

Definition of pierce next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into thoughts of revenge relentlessly pierced her mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in pierced his ears with a needle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stab

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object the saber pierced his chest, releasing a spurt of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pierce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter, penetrate, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When might enter be a better fit than pierce?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 penetrate a more appropriate choice than pierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

Where would probe be a reasonable alternative to pierce?

The synonyms probe and pierce 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 pierce As dawn unfurls, golden rays pierce through the coastal mist, revealing a path of broken branches and impossibly large footprints winding past the door of my luxurious tented shelter. —

Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025 Her vocals drift and disappear into the ether as her thoughts do, but the highs are piercing and often at war with aggressive bass levels. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 With a sound that mixes the energy of Avril Lavigne and the storytelling of Taylor Swift, Allison’s piercing vocals and autobiographic love songs have won over fans everywhere. —

Spin Contributor, SPIN, 3 Jan. 2025 Back in 2016, Lemon got his ear pierced at a New Orleans bar while appearing live on the air during the New Year's Eve special. —

Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pierce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce

Verb

Next, a tri-grit priming wand steps in to remove dead nail cells and allow for the third step—a hydrating treatment—to penetrate more effectively.

— Jenny Berg, Allure, 27 Jan. 2025
City could not penetrate Chelsea’s press in the period after going behind to that early goal.

— Sam Lee, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025