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

At least 19 drones penetrated Polish airspace in that instance, according to Warsaw. —David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025

Clean And Buff Small Scratches Cleaning and buffing can renew a floor with light surface scratches that don't penetrate into the wood. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

The sun that hits the electric blinds hardly penetrates the room, the light dances on the walls, predictable yet never the same. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2025

On March 29, 2024, in a game against Alba Berlin, Hayes-Davis penetrated and scored the game’s first basket. —Doug Haller, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025