PIERCE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'pierce' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter , penetrate , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When might 'enter' be a better fit than 'pierce'?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 'penetrate' a more appropriate choice than 'pierce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce , penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: Where would 'probe' be a reasonable alternative to 'pierce'?

The synonyms probe and pierce are sometimes interchangeable, but probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

pierce

verb

ˈpirs

Definition of pierce next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into thoughts of revenge relentlessly pierced her mind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in pierced his ears with a needle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stab

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object the saber pierced his chest, releasing a spurt of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb pierce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter, penetrate, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When might enter be a better fit than pierce?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 penetrate a more appropriate choice than pierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

Where would probe be a reasonable alternative to pierce?

The synonyms probe and pierce 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 pierce in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Two bullets pierce Richard, sending him back into the river, but several also pass through the boat. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024 During aging, the cheese's flavor deepens, and regular piercing—a technique where metal rods or needles are inserted into the cheese—helps air circulate through the cheese, promoting mold growth. —

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024 But creating a shared sense of national belonging—a piercing pride in being an American, in an era marked by tragic division—is a feat for the ages. —

Michael Callahan, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 More swords fall from the ceiling, with one nearly piercing Billy, who jumps out of the way just in time. —

Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pierce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce

Verb

When transiting this Mutable sign, the messenger planet is ready to come up for air (especially after penetrating through the surface in Scorpio) and jump headfirst into a world of new ideas and boundless possibilities.

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Another theory posits that the wiggling of Alfvén waves, oscillations in the Sun’s magnetic field that penetrate into the corona and turn back on themselves, can also inject energy into the solar wind.

ByHannah Richter, science.org, 31 Oct. 2024