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infiltrate

verb

ˈin-(ˌ)fil-ˌtrāt How to pronounce infiltrate (audio)
Definition of infiltratenext
as in to sneak
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way over time, undercover agents infiltrated the crime ring and eventually busted their gambling racket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 infiltrate Wetlands differ from the retention or detention ponds located around some developments because wetland soils allow water to infiltrate and replenish the groundwater. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Aug. 2026 Texans have always seemed to relish their otherness, maybe even more so now that, in our age of globalization, so much sameness has infiltrated most American and international cities. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 Musk’s officials infiltrated department after department, canceling contracts, firing employees, viewing sensitive data, and kneecapping programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as foreign aid. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Agents also infiltrated private group chats and gathered information on community members. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infiltrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infiltrate
  1. sneak
  2. worm
  3. insert
  4. slip
  5. work in
Verb
  • Every round, the players put on googly-eyed glasses that obscure their vision while Sam sneaks over to tap a Spy, who removes their glasses so Sam can point out which object fits the prompt.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
  • To be clear, many of these live recordings are sourced from fans who snuck cassette recorders into concert halls.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of sneak
Verb
  • Over the next several decades, and countless strangulations, Homer and Bart wormed their way into our hearts.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The idea wormed its way through the State Fair machinery, and with a month and a half to go until gates opened, EatFuti heard they’d be allowed to test a pilot program.
    — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of worm
Verb
  • Now, Neal and the rest of the Khoslas have inserted themselves into that community as the fourth ownership group in franchise history.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation is inconsistent, snake-bitten or insert your description here.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of insert
Verb
  • My own read, after two years of watching vendor roadmaps slip and then compress again, is that the hardware is still outrunning the software.
    — Dax Grant, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • My Lychee Tax – a deliciously fruity blend of strawberry rum and lychee purée – slipped down quickly.
    — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of slip
Verb
  • Andrea Flores, who worked in the Obama Administration and served as a border official under Biden, told me that Biden lacked interest in pushing legislation to regularize the status of longtime residents.
    — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler had just wrapped up practice Wednesday at the Irish Athletics Center, putting the final work in before Sunday’s season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of work in

Browse Nearby Words

infightings
infiltrate
infiltrated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infiltrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infiltrate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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