pierce

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pierce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter, penetrate, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When might enter be a better fit than pierce?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 penetrate a more appropriate choice than pierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

Where would probe be a reasonable alternative to pierce?

The synonyms probe and pierce 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pierce The bone was found to be raw, unworked, except for a single hole piercing its entire length. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025 But the show's greatest asset is its stars, whose endearing real-life friendship pierces through the play’s inherent despair. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025 Sharp cracks of gunfire pierced the morning air, loud, jarring pangs that echoed off the concrete. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025 Police have said there were people inside the ABC10 offices when three gunshots pierced a window on the north side of the building. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • Two stab wounds penetrated to a depth of about 20cm [nearly 8 inches].
    Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • What starts as a plush gel, lathers into a rich foam that penetrates deep to remove all traces of residue.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Murray-Boyles jumped out at DeRozan, who passed to LaVine, who drilled the wide-open shot.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • This heat moves outward through layers of rock and can be captured by drilling wells to access hot water, steam, or dry rock formations.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Shortly after murdering the Otero family, Rader broke into the home of Kathryn Bright and stabbed her to death while also seriously injuring her brother.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Unfortunately, in the process, he's stabbed by the syringe Mehta intended for Lo and dies.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Detroit, which entered the game as the NFL’s hottest team, fell to 4-2.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But did Swift need to punch down to fulfill the concept?
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In the late matchup, the Dodgers have a chance to punch their ticket to the NLCS.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Spiders have venom to subdue prey, but the majority have fangs that are too tiny to puncture human skin.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps nothing vital had been punctured.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Due West follows a small-town woman in West Texas who is forced to break the law in a desperate attempt to access necessary medical care.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Build a Look can be accessed on Revolve’s individual product detail pages, or a dedicated Build a Look product listing page.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Cowboys poked a hole in the Jets’ balloon after the Hall fumble.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • An alligator’s head could be seen poking out of the water just a few feet away as Whaley prepared to take his shot, but the 30-year-old quickly brought the ball back onto dry land and escaped with par on the 11th green.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

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