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 Because of their thinness, there's less opportunity for cold air to infiltrate empty pockets and dry them out. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 Cannavaro is not the first global football star to infiltrate Uzbek football (Rivaldo played for Bunyodkor for three years towards the end of his career) but his appointment certainly got a football-mad nation talking. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 June 2026 After infiltrating the local music scene, Arthur was offered a gig as rhythm guitarist in the Merry-Go-Round band, on one condition — a rebranding. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 1 June 2026 True hostile, enemy territory the likes of which even the most rabid Knicks fan base can’t infiltrate across the country. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for infiltrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infiltrate
Verb
  • The festivities were held at the terrace bar nine floors above Times Square at the Edition Hotel, and anyone sneaking in an illicit cigarette out on the balcony gets treated to a giant Wicked billboard flashing in LEDs.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 June 2026
  • During Thanksgiving week 2024, prosecutors say Svetlana Dali snuck onto a Delta flight from New York to France.
    Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The flea larvae, which look like tiny maggots, worm their way into the carpet or mattress, feeding on the flea dirt that their parents left behind, says Benson.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
  • OpenAI’s ChatGPT has wormed its way into more and more parts of consumers’ lives, from work to their children’s education, and even mental health and romantic relationships.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Before the true ad break begins, networks like to insert a little commercial bumper.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026
  • And men are indeed lengthening their limbs, flying to international clinics, having metal rods inserted into their bones, and then, after a brutal recovery process, relearning how to walk.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Trip plans unravel fast when flights slip, baggage goes missing, or a surprise cold snap hits the destination.
    Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
  • Because play in football is rarely interrupted, unlike American football, US TV broadcasters had to figure out creative ways to slip ads into games.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Kpler, a trade intelligence firm, wrote a paper in April on how a strait managed by Iran, in conjunction with Oman, could work in practice.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • There are strict rules in California around the purchasing of dynamite, which is generally restricted to licensed professionals working in mining and quarry operations, building demolitions, tunneling projects and specialized industrial activities.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infiltrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infiltrate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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