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 Already, Chinese EVs have become top sellers in some emerging market countries and are increasingly penetrating the market in Europe, Britain, and Australia. Justin Worland, Time, 24 Oct. 2025 These small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and can be a cause of conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, according to health officials. Rajeev Tyagi, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025 Lecter’s main power was his penetrating thinking and sustained intuiting. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 Whereas Joseph Mitchell’s pristine artistry and Janet Malcolm’s penetrating eye seemed otherworldly, the elements of what made a McKelway story work were legible to me, albeit polished to their highest form. David Grann, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate
Verb
  • Produced before the gag order was lifted, the four-part docuseries One Night in Idaho turns its focus to the families, friends and community members still wrestling with the aftermath, offering a piercing look at a case with many unanswered questions.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The grotesque details—the uncle’s fingernails piercing his hands, the dog’s permanent terror of rabbits—are simply there.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • LaJoie said Head Start is also required to connect families to dental and health care for kids who enter the program.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In an exclusive interview with Fortune, Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi said that while the White House may be aiming to lift sentiment ahead of midterms, the Fed fears rising unemployment and political blowback if America enters a recession.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Car buyers may face elevated prices and a shortage of some vehicles due to a supply chain snarled by tariffs and challenges accessing crucial materials, some industry experts told ABC News.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • And a recent study found 30% of families who access food pantries have incomes that don’t qualify for federal benefits, but are still food insecure.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on penetrate

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