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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of penetrate

But there are benefits to wearing SPF all year round, not least because 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, while UVA — responsible for premature aging and skin cancer — can also make its way through glass windows. —Varsha Patel, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2024

Since Eddie Howe’s arrival during the 2021-22 season, Newcastle’s main attacking threat has come from the flanks, where the team’s passing combinations aim to put the full-back in a crossing position, find the winger behind the defence, or allow the midfielder to penetrate the opponent’s lines. —Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

The purple shampoo is enriched with hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which has amino acids that penetrate the hair shafts to improve elasticity and prevent breakage. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024

The porous nature of the barrels allows the salt air to penetrate the barrels, resulting in a salted caramel flavor with much viscosity. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024