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 of penetrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It can usually only be penetrated by certain molecules or by a needle that runs the risk of damaging the entire cell. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024

The storm's 8- to 12-foot storm surges penetrated southwestern Louisiana, according to the NHC. —Gina Martinez, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2024

Hezbollah is reeling from Nasrallah's killing in his deep bunker in a command headquarters, shocked at how successfully Israel penetrated the group, seven sources said. —Samia Nakhoul and Laila Bassam, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024

Under his leadership, Hezbollah launched exploding and reconnaissance drones deep into Israel, penetrating its defense systems which had mostly focused on the group’s rockets and missiles. —Kareem Chehayeb, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2024