penetration

noun

pen·e·tra·tion | \ ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən

Definition of penetration

1a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More about penetration

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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 the homeless 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

Driven by online video-streaming services’ increasing penetration of international markets, world-wide digital home-entertainment revenue leapt to $42.6 billion last year from $32.9 billion in 2017. — R.t. Watson, WSJ, "Trading Places: Global Box Office Dethroned by Spending on Home Entertainment," 21 Mar. 2019 People with penises can also wear strap-ons to engage in double penetration. — Sophie Saint Thomas, SELF, "9 Things to Know Before You Try Strap-On Sex," 2 Mar. 2019 Is the penetration fast or slow enough? Too deep or shallow? — Sophie Saint Thomas, SELF, "9 Things to Know Before You Try Strap-On Sex," 2 Mar. 2019 Heterosexual penetration is just one option amongst many for receiving connection and pleasure. — Daisy Melamed Sanders, Seventeen, "5 Things You Definitely Don't Learn in Sex Ed," 11 Jan. 2019 Reed had just one tackle, but was a steady force with his penetration. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Stock Watch: Bob Condotta grades the Seahawks in their 21-7 win over the Vikings," 10 Dec. 2018 But our penetration in the European market is still low. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Facebook’s problems in Europe are piling up," 21 Sep. 2018 In the final minute, a wide-open 3-pointer from the right side by Utah’s Tyler Rawson with 38 seconds left, set up by penetration from Utah star Justin Bibbins, put the Utes back into the lead, 66-64. — Michael J. Lewis, The Courier-Journal, "Western Kentucky falls to Utah in final minute of NIT semifinal," 27 Mar. 2018 MmWave has worse range and worse penetration compared to LTE. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "Don’t buy a 5G smartphone—at least, not for a while," 14 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'penetration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.