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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penetrate His power — combined with his technique to anchor against double teams, two-gap, or penetrate — shows up frequently on film. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2025 Unlike traditional masks that simply coat the hair, K18 penetrates the hair cuticle deeply, working from the inside out to restore strength, elasticity, and shine. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025 This can give the oil more time to penetrate the skin. Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025 After that, the Sens continued to struggle with penetrating the middle of the ice. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate
Verb
  • While traveling to Saint Luke’s Hospital aboard an ambulance, the suspect allegedly stabbed Hoffman with a knife, piercing his heart, around 1:25 a.m.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Nothing but quick and shocking outbursts of violence can pierce the movie’s surfaces of overheated restraint.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Following her performance at the 2025 season so far, Walsh is expected to enter the World Championships as a heavy favorite to win the 100 and 50-fly events.
    Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Dutton entered the five-week campaign on a strong footing.
    Hilary Whiteman and Angus Watson, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • So these groups are a real reminder for me that the internet can be such a balm to communities of people who can't access each other offline.
    Tonya Mosley, NPR, 8 May 2025
  • By reducing the burden on clinicians and increasing the capacity of existing teams, such solutions ensure that more children can access timely, high-quality care.
    Oliver Harrison, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrate. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on penetrate

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