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

However, some critics argue that green light doesn’t penetrate the skin deeply enough to treat broken capillaries or other causes of redness. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

To encourage fruiting, prune annually in the spring to create an open-center V-shape, ensuring sunlight and airflow penetrate the canopy. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026

While at her home, Tate is accused of putting his arm around her neck and placing her in a chokehold without her consent, penetrating her between bouts of unconsciousness over several hours. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

All of these appeared to originate at boundaries between tiles, suggesting hot gas may have penetrated these boundaries. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026