PENETRATE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

penetrate

verb

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt

Definition of penetrate next

as in to pierce

to go or come in or into a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 penetrate The report warns that as state leaders become increasingly dependent on information technology and connectivity to operate their government, hackers have more opportunities to penetrate their systems and work their devious schemes. —

Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025 From a business perspective, the league has made a concerted effort to penetrate international markets, and game attendance has remained robust. —

Mark Lasota, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 This process occurs on the deep ocean floor, where light cannot penetrate. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for penetrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate

Verb

And that’s not all: Ellis says there’s also an emerging trend for parents and their children of all ages piercing their bodies at the same time.

— Hannah Silverman, Parents, 14 Feb. 2025
But nowhere pierces my heart more than German cemeteries, where special sections are dedicated to babies who die before or shortly after birth.

— Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025