as in enters
to go or come in or into
a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort
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Recent Examples of penetrates
To encourage deeper root growth, reduce the frequency of irrigation after seedlings emerge but increase the duration so that the water penetrates the upper four to six inches of soil.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Even a single missile that penetrates defenses and strikes infrastructure such as hospitals, power plants, or universities could impose high costs.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
The process is arduous, spanning days or weeks of boiling and soaking in syrup, but when sugar properly penetrates fruit’s cellular structure, not only does the appearance become almost incandescent, but the microbes that cause spoilage can’t survive.
—Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026
The aerator penetrates and removes a cigar size piece of soil and distributes it on the soil surface.
—Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Jan. 2026
Glycolic and lactic acids sweep away dead surface skin cells, soften rough patches, and brighten your complexion, while salicylic acid penetrates more deeply to clear congestion.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
Dot stands patiently in heavy fabrics on a Sunday, while George stares at her with a razor focus that never penetrates her soul.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Based on studies from his research group, the wedge usually penetrates south of Athens and can reach the Atlanta area and beyond.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The salicylic acid penetrates a little deeper into the pores to break up the glue-like mixture of oil and dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Even a single missile that penetrates defenses and strikes infrastructure such as hospitals, power plants, or universities could impose high costs.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
The process is arduous, spanning days or weeks of boiling and soaking in syrup, but when sugar properly penetrates fruit’s cellular structure, not only does the appearance become almost incandescent, but the microbes that cause spoilage can’t survive.
—Hannah Walhout, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026
The aerator penetrates and removes a cigar size piece of soil and distributes it on the soil surface.
—Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Jan. 2026
Glycolic and lactic acids sweep away dead surface skin cells, soften rough patches, and brighten your complexion, while salicylic acid penetrates more deeply to clear congestion.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
Dot stands patiently in heavy fabrics on a Sunday, while George stares at her with a razor focus that never penetrates her soul.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Based on studies from his research group, the wedge usually penetrates south of Athens and can reach the Atlanta area and beyond.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The salicylic acid penetrates a little deeper into the pores to break up the glue-like mixture of oil and dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrates
Verb
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Any small space object that enters Earth's atmosphere is described as a meteor.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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The rival rallies in Budapest, which drew hundreds of thousands of people in support of Orbán's nationalist Fidesz party and Magyar's center-right Tisza, are being viewed as a barometer for which side commands more support as the campaign enters its final month.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Its 1959 Googie-style sign pierces the sky, a beacon of hope for weary road-trippers cruising this achingly lonely stretch of highway.—
Zoey Goto,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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Lower the heat to medium-high and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and a paring knife easily pierces a potato, about 15 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In response, Chief Ryan Kinnan said there is an ongoing audit of who accesses the information.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
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Memory safety issues occur when software accesses or manipulates memory in an unintended way.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Penetrates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrates. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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