penetration

noun

pen·e·tra·tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən

Synonyms of penetration next

: the power to penetrate

especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely

: the depth to which something penetrates

: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market

: the act or process of penetrating: such as

: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished

: 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 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 Not so; even before Israel had reacted, its opponents got even colder and more vicious, rejoicing in the penetration of Israel’s invincibility and seizing the opportunity to demonize Israel. —

WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023 Insurance is expected to cover at least 75% of the economic damage, according to Moody's, because the state has high insurance penetration rates and policies typically cover wildfire damages. —

Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2023 Instead, the doctor made Jasmine’s business too small, so penetration wasn’t an option. —

Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 23 Oct. 2023 Ukraine’s struggles to use Western vehicles effectively in mechanized penetration battles are disappointing but should not be too surprising in retrospect. —

Karolina Hird, Time, 3 Aug. 2023 Brazil reported a 94% increase in connected television penetration during the Q1 2022 to Q1 2023 period, while Mexico experienced 93% growth in the same time frame. —

Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 Oct. 2023 The Knights’ deepest penetration was to the Torrey Pines 33 on their first series, but a holding penalty and a sack by Kade Wilken pushed the visitors back to their own 48 before being forced to punt. —

Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2023 Today, the Leopard 2 carries even more powerful rounds with greater armor penetration, including the Rheinmetall DM53 and DM63 rounds, reportedly capable of penetrating 750 millimeters of tank armor at the same distance. —

Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2023 The continuing penetration of U.S.-based platforms Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video into Canada has stepped up pressure on Bell Media local media players to cut costs to ensure profitability. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penetration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.