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

Other projects include a $2 million deal to develop a ground-penetrating radar for the moon as well as deals to develop several other scientific instruments. —Brandon Lingle, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026

This unique hair dryer draws moisture in from the surrounding air to generate super fine nanoparticles that penetrate your hair to hydrate. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

The figure, which includes units that are hotel-managed or listed on short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb, has become a proxy for how deeply tourism has penetrated the city center housing market. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Flaxseed oil will penetrate wood surfaces and help prevent cracking. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026