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, because the specimen had large eggs in its ovaries, the formaldehyde could not fully penetrate the entire animal, leaving its flesh relatively delicate. —Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 27 May 2026

Add the scallions and squeeze again so that the scallion juices penetrate the wheat. —Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

This mat becomes hydrophobic (water-repelling)—when water can no longer penetrate the soil, the grass roots in that area become severely dehydrated and turn brown. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 May 2026

Lotions, on the other hand, penetrate the skin cell layers and use ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acids to strengthen the skin barrier function to prevent water loss. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 May 2026