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

The system enables the satellite to penetrate the surface of the ice, producing a highly detailed image of the landscape. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Karlsson claimed that she was later taken to meet Marie in Paris, who allegedly digitally penetrated her. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 July 2026

According to the court filings provided by the Department of Justice, two of the women allege Andrew Tate, 39, strangled them unconscious and then penetrated them without their consent. — Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Although humanity’s salvation may appear to come in fits and starts, God’s healing influence always penetrates and gets through callous self-righteousness and indifference. — Mark Swinney, Christian Science Monitor, 21 July 2026