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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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

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 enter Jayden Daniels enters the Lions’ den against a Detroit defense that played above its heads against the Vikings. —

Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 Before the soldiers could enter the chamber, parliament unanimously voted to overturn martial law, leading to its end six hours later. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025 The star was listed as questionable entering the game against Atlanta. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 After the first quarter ended with the score tied at 22, the Jazz dominated the Heat 40-19 in the second quarter to enter halftime with a 21-point lead. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enter

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