Synonyms of penetrate

penetrate

verb

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt 

as in to pierce

to go or come in or into

a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pierce
• enter
• access
• invade
• set foot in
• step into
• burst (in or into)
• infiltrate
• breeze (in)
• encroach
• drop in
• pop (in)
• intrude
• trespass
• stray (into)
• waltz (in)
• infringe
• wander (into)
• barge (in)
• gate-crash
• crash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• exit

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of penetrate

Other studies on infrared light, which has a longer wavelength of at least 800 nanometers that penetrates deeper into the skin, suggest that there's potential for the treatment to speed up muscle recovery. —Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025

Her courageous work in eastern Ukraine stands in direct contrast to Trump and Putin, who heap praise on each other and ignore the devastation to Ukraine, an ignorance that not even death and injury to women and children can penetrate. —Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025

The thermal conductivity of the lunar surface acts as a blanket and stops some of the sun’s heat from penetrating into the ground. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

Unlike traditional creams that can quickly evaporate or rub off, wrinkle patches create a sealed environment, allowing ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to penetrate deeper for maximum effectiveness. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025