enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.
entered the city in triumph
penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.
the enemy penetrated the fortress
pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.
pierced the boil with a lancet
probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.
probed the depths of the sea
Example Sentences
Verb
Knock on the door before you enter the room.
The medication will quickly enter the blood stream.
The river enters the sea near here.
Our son will be entering college next year. enter a child in kindergarten
The new battleship is scheduled to enter service next spring.
an actor who's just now entering his prime
The strike has now entered its second week.
We've entered a new phase in our relationship.
The country is entering a period of prosperity. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
In April 1889, the U.S. government created a starting time for settlers to enter central Oklahoma and stake their claim to the land.—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2023 Kirby Elementary District 140 in Tinley Park plans focus groups, including interviews with current and former students, parents, teachers and community members, in part to assess how prepared students are to enter high school.—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2023 This begins in parking lots with rows of cars softened by trees and other greenery, and sidewalks that lead to gravel paths that enter garden spaces and courtyards tucked between buildings.—Dirk Sutro, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2023 Foreign nationals must be vaccinated against COVID to enter the United States.—Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2023 He is projected by ESPN to enter the 2023 NFL draft.—Heather Hunter, Washington Examiner, 29 Jan. 2023 Career opportunities will have to be a priority as more community health workers enter the field and get certified, according to Anna Huff Davis, chair for the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association Board of Directors.—Garrett Moore, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2023 You’re not required to enter a specific FanDuel promo code.—Catena Media, oregonlive, 28 Jan. 2023 The Panthers wouldn’t let the Bruins enter the zone easily, or set up east-west passes.—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Jan. 2023 See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English entren, from Anglo-French entrer, from Latin intrare, from intra within; akin to Latin inter between — more at inter-
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