ENTER Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'enter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate , pierce , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. // entered the city in triumph

Q: Where would 'penetrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'enter'?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: When can 'pierce' be used instead of 'enter'?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When is it sensible to use 'probe' instead of 'enter'?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

enter

verb

ˈen-tər

Definition of enter next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into the hikers entered the cave with considerable caution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to join

to become a member of patriotic young men and women entering the armed services debutantes entering society

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as in to record

to put (someone or something) on a list new voters fill out a form and elections officials enter their names into the database

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delete

as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the club enters only five new members a year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb enter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

Where would penetrate be a reasonable alternative to enter?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When can pierce be used instead of enter?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When is it sensible to use probe instead of enter?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

Examples 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 enter In addition, cane wounds caused by the thorns on crossing canes allow fungal pathogens to enter the cane, which can open the plant up to cane disease. —

Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 The Knicks entered Friday’s matchup dead-last in points per game off the bench before Precious Achiuwa and Landry Shamet combined for just five points against the Thunder. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025 Caulk gaps and openings around windows, doors, air conditioners, and mail chutes to prevent cold air from entering. —

Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Jan. 2025 Through its cutting-edge accelerator programs, incubators, and workforce development initiatives, Maritime Blue is catalyzing the growth of a sustainable blue economy while also creating pathways for diverse communities to enter the industry. —

Aparna Rae, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enter

Verb

One system fans can follow is the COLD system, as explained by doctors in the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at the University of Kansas Health System: Clean: clean clothes avoid dirt or moisture that could allow the wind and cold to penetrate.

Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025
For decades, scientists have been using large drills to penetrate Arctic ice sheets and extract columns of ice up to 11,000 feet long.

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025