penetrable

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl 

: capable of being penetrated

penetrability

ˌpe-nə-trə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of penetrable

• porous
• permeable
• absorbent

Examples of penetrable in a Sentence

unfortunately, our netting proved to be a rather penetrable barrier that allowed in our cabin a steady stream of mosquitoes

Recent Examples on the Web

The wall between the two has long been viewed as performative and penetrable. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Among Clarke’s first major requests was research into ways Metro could make gates less penetrable. — Justin George, Washington Post, 28 July 2023

By breaking actives down into smaller molecules, the fermentation process makes the ingredient more bioavailable and penetrable. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for penetrable

• impenetrable

Kids Definition

penetrable

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl 

: capable of being penetrated

penetrability

ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun