pierce

Synonym Chooser

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

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 pierce She was found on the ground near the lifeguard stand with an umbrella stake that had pierced the front of her left shoulder and was sticking out the back of her arm by about 1 foot, Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy told ABC News. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 25 June 2025 The scepter pierced the ground of the Huanacaure mountain, and so rose the glimmering empire of Cuzco. Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 Other sea spider species, like many spiders on land, will capture and pierce their prey to suck up their internal fluids. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025 Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles that have pierced Israel's defenses, striking residential neighborhoods. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • The 12-Day War saw Israeli fighters penetrate deep inside Iranian airspace with little to no resistance, including non-stealthy fourth-generation fighters like F-16s.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • According to its manufacturer, Boeing, the Harpoon Block II missile is armed with a 500-pound penetrating high-explosive warhead and is capable of striking ships more than 77 miles away.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • James struck again, drilling a three-pointer over Cooper, drawing cheers from the fans.
    Broderick Turner Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • With Matt Brash on the mound for the Mariners, Stanton drilled a two-run homer.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • At some point, one of Valle's friends allegedly gave him a knife, which was used during the brawl to stab McGrath.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Wallace was talking about his 4-year-old son, Jordan Wallace, who, according to prosecutors, Tolbert stabbed more than 36 times, killing him on Independence Day morning.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The irreplaceable power of human relationships — of teacher-student trust — must remain central, especially as AI enters the classroom.
    C.M. Rubin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Timothy Oakes, 34, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) in Canada, was arrested on June 15 while trying to enter the U.S. via the Massena, New York, port of entry, the Justice Department said.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Another of Raleigh's sons, Kyle, ran up, and punched Morrow in the head before pinning him to the pavement.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Kelly tries to pick up his cell phone and belongings scattered on a bike lane when the twins return and begin punching him, the video shows.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Steering column was pushed into his chest, broke his ribs, rib punctured his heart.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
  • Another teen girl was stabbed, her lung punctured, during the melee.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • An on-screen message that warns you as soon as an app accesses sensitive functions such as your camera, texts or location.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC will be able to access the standard edition of the game through their subscription, or upgrade to the deluxe edition by paying an upgrade fee to play early.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Johnson immediately returned to social media Wednesday night to post a series of rambling videos discussing his arrest and seemingly poking at Rogan without addressing him directly.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Progress with Canada has been a roller coaster, with the U.S. president poking at the nation’s northern neighbor and repeatedly suggesting it would be absorbed as a U.S. state.
    Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!