pierce

Definition of piercenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pierce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter, penetrate, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When might enter be a better fit than pierce?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, 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 penetrate a more appropriate choice than pierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

Where would probe be a reasonable alternative to pierce?

The synonyms probe and pierce 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 pierce Bird by Bird is generous, charming, and quietly piercing. Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026 Rahal emerges from his desk, tall, with a shadowy scruff, tousled brown locks, and piercing blue eyes. Sophia Herring, Vanity Fair, 28 Jan. 2026 Mars merging with Pluto can hit you with a piercing moment of honesty. Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 The bullet pierced Ramseur’s arm and entered his chest through his side. Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Plus, Neutrogena’s patented micro-peptide technology, which allows the peptides to penetrate more easily into the skin and better, boosts collagen and elastin production.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kennard drilled a three pointer off a pass from Reaves to give the Lakers a 92-88 lead in the fourth quarter.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • In the winter, Govert comes out to the lake to drill holes in the ice to measure the thickness.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The stabbing death of former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson could be linked to a series of homicides, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said on Tuesday.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The brother survived the shot, but died after Thompson took a knife and stabbed him 57 times, mostly in the neck area.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Airbus has already indicated that its next-generation single-aisle aircraft, expected to enter service in the second half of the 2030s, could feature an open-fan engine.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Philon, who entered the game averaging 22 points, finished with 14.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mohamed adds punch to the running game.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Last week, the Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The episode has punctured Preckwinkle’s reputation for managerial skill — a primary reason this page has endorsed her in previous elections despite some disagreements with other aspects of her record.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • One of the bullets struck Boyd in the abdomen, traveled through his body, and ultimately punctured one of his lungs.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond the manipulation vulnerabilities, Nagli easily accessed a database with human users’ email addresses, private DM conversations between agents and other sensitive information.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • For example, Verizon’s Cruise Daily Pass and AT&T’s International Day Pass both cost $20 per day and allow customers to access unlimited talk and text and 500 MB of high-speed data (and unlimited low-speed data) both on land in port and at sea on the ship.
    Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Jacksonville incident poked at the tension.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The Stars pulled even when Nils Lundkvist poked a rebound past Hellebuyck on a shot from Duchene with five minutes left in the second period.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

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