Synonyms of penetrate

penetrate

verb

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt 

as in to pierce

to go or come in or into

a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pierce
• enter
• access
• invade
• set foot in
• step into
• burst (in or into)
• infiltrate
• breeze (in)
• encroach
• drop in
• pop (in)
• intrude
• trespass
• stray (into)
• waltz (in)
• infringe
• wander (into)
• barge (in)
• gate-crash
• crash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• exit

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb penetrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetrate are enter, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When would enter be a good substitute for penetrate?

The words enter and penetrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 pierce a more appropriate choice than penetrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to penetrate, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When can probe be used instead of penetrate?

The synonyms probe and penetrate 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

Recent Examples of penetrate

Core aeration creates channels so that water and nutrients can penetrate the soil and improve its texture for better percolation. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

And Bale really tries, giving his Gorr the God Butcher a deep, penetrating sadness that the movie itself has zero interest in trying to match. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026

The few times the Cougars did penetrate and get to the lane, TCU shot blockers Kennedy Basham and Clara Silva were waiting. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2026

With only Liam Delap, Pedro Neto and Garnacho to mark for just under an hour, Wrexham’s red wall was rarely penetrated. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026