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 One of the scenarios simulated terrorists infiltrating the kibbutz kindergarten. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 In a video statement released shortly before the strikes, Al-Aqili warned against infiltrating Yemeni airspace with Iranian aircraft. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Now much of their thinking has infiltrated nu-conservatism, and the rest of us have been forced to learn about Braden Peters, better known as Clavicular—the king of the looksmaxxing sphere. — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 In 2020, Kristofer Goldsmith said that a fellow veteran invited him to partner up on infiltrating Patriot Front. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 11 July 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
  • Homer would likely be easier to sneak through to the practice squad and then elevate on game days.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Nick, Schmidt, Coach and Winston manage to sneak into the mansion, with Nick desperately trying to make things right with Jess, who is now fully freaking out.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of sneak
Verb
  • Like parasites, those jukebox musicals wormed their way into Broadway and slowly killed the medium.
    — Jesse Eisenberg, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • After a series of personal setbacks, Ingrid moves to Los Angeles to be closer to Taylor, masterminding their meeting and worming her way into her inner circle.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
Definition of worm
Verb
  • The goal is to insert genes from Asian chestnuts, or modify American chestnut genes to act more like those in Asian chestnuts.
    — Steve Strauss, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
  • Redemption cards for each will be randomly inserted in packs.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of insert
Verb
  • Piastri hasn’t been on the podium since Miami in May as McLaren slipped behind Ferrari and, at times, Red Bull for outright pace.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Condo prices slipped slightly as inventory remains elevated following new state safety requirements after the Surfside collapse.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of slip
Verb
  • Birmingham City University will also present a showcase of the school’s work in the capital.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
  • Seven American aid ​workers who had been working in Congo to stop the outbreak are currently quarantining in a facility ​in Kenya.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 19 July 2026
Definition of work in

Browse Nearby Words

infightings
infiltrate
infiltrated
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Cite this Entry

“Infiltrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infiltrate. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infiltrate

Nglish: Translation of infiltrate for Spanish Speakers

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