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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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

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 For whatever reason, these accolades have not penetrated the mainstream thinking. —

Will McGough, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The spores penetrate the ant’s body without killing it. —

Matt Kasson, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 Bloomberg this week revealed ahead of the Georgian election how Russia systematically penetrated the smaller country’s infrastructure and government in a yearslong series of digital intrusion operations. —

Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024 The collagen molecules used in skin-care products are too large to effectively penetrate the skin barrier and stimulate collagen synthesis. —

Devon Abelman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penetrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate

Verb

One of the bullets brushed his spine and another pierced his bladder, leaving him with a permanent catheter.

Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Procedures Your healthcare provider may also suggest a nipple retractor or piercing for a longer-term solution.

Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024