Synonyms of penetrate

penetrate

verb

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt 

as in to pierce

to go or come in or into

a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pierce
• enter
• access
• invade
• set foot in
• step into
• burst (in or into)
• infiltrate
• breeze (in)
• encroach
• drop in
• pop (in)
• intrude
• trespass
• stray (into)
• waltz (in)
• infringe
• wander (into)
• barge (in)
• gate-crash
• crash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• exit

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb penetrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetrate are enter, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When would enter be a good substitute for penetrate?

The words enter and penetrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 pierce a more appropriate choice than penetrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to penetrate, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When can probe be used instead of penetrate?

The synonyms probe and penetrate 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

Recent Examples of penetrate

Its molecules are too large to penetrate the skin and stimulate new production, Scott explains; applied topically, the protein acts more like a humectant (water-attracting substance), helping to retain moisture. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

And Marchand learned that the savanna penetrated more deeply into the rainforest in south-central Ivory Coast. — Thomas J Bassett, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

The Soviet Union, for instance, gained nuclear weapons in part by penetrating the Manhattan Project; more recently, China stole secrets related to the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighter jets and the C-17 cargo plane. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Idriss noted on the podcast that topical collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026