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

The contract underscores the Navy’s reliance on the Phalanx system as its last line of defense against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and emerging littoral threats that penetrate outer fleet defenses. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

The sun’s light penetrates only a thousand yards down into the ocean. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025

For the most part, the Chiefs’ defensive front could not penetrate the Chargers’ offensive line, providing Herbert the necessary time to hit receivers consistently open by several steps. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

No matter the irrigation method, always water until the water penetrates all the way down to plant roots. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025