penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
a
: the power to penetrate
especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely
b
: the depth to which something penetrates
c
: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market
2
: the act or process of penetrating: such as
a
: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished
b
: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory
Choose the Right Synonym for penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body. the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company multiple penetrations into enemy territory a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Alternative to drip irrigation: If drip irrigation isn’t an option, use a soaker hose, which releases water slowly along its length, allowing for deeper water penetration and less waste. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Conduct penetration testing of third-party platforms to reveal vulnerabilities before integration. Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The first bomb was dropped at a 45-degree angle to maximize penetration. Jeff Goertzen, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 While virtual MVPDs such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live and Fubo have helped stanch at least some of the arterial spray—these alternative packages now boast some 19.7 million stateside subs—total penetration remains a shadow of its former self at 52%. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetration

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of penetration was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetration. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the act or process of penetrating
2
a
: the depth to which something penetrates
b
: keen understanding

Medical Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the depth to which something penetrates
2
: the act or process of penetrating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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