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

It's designed to penetrate up to 200 feet underground before exploding. —Ellen Uchimiya, CBS News, 19 June 2025

Meyers had opened his door with such force that the handle penetrated the wall. —Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 18 June 2025

Like daikons and comfrey, milk thistle’s long, penetrating roots draw nutrients up from deep in the soil and aerate dense garden beds. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025

As the fractured bones were not found to be turned aside or penetrated by the object, it is also believed that the object was smooth, and did not have sharp edges to it. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025