pierce

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 For many American girls, getting their first ear piercing at Claire's is an important milestone. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025 The American Migraine Foundation notably does not recommend getting a daith piercing as an official form of migraine treatment. Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 10 Aug. 2025 Sebring was shot in his left armpit, piercing his lung. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025 Those words cut through the cocaine fog and pierced his heart. Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • Larger particles create spaces for water to move through and oxygen to penetrate.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
  • But unlike their ocean cousins, these cells on freshwater jellyfish are too small to penetrate human skin and sting people, according to the Pennsylvania Sea Grant.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There is variability between firms; some can drill wells profitably with oil at $45.
    Matt Randolph, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • He was drilled in the seventh and scored the tying run on Matt Shaw’s sacrifice fly, then singled leading off the ninth before the fateful slide.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Promes has lodged an appeal against his conviction and is fighting an additional 18-month sentence, imposed in 2023, for stabbing his cousin.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Louisville Metro Police Detective Ashley Schaefer previously said investigators believe a woman was stabbed sometime after Langford allegedly broke into her home in the 100 block of South Whipps Mill Road Aug. 8, abducting her and two of her children.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Even with a franchise-best payroll of $187 million entering this year, one that placed 13th of 30 MLB teams, the Diamondbacks fall well short of a Padres payroll that now stands at $213 million and eighth in baseball, per Fangraphs.com.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The resident entered a coma and died, the inspection report detailed.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is punching back at President Donald Trump — in memes and capital letters.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Miami’s first offensive drive of the Bears game was spoiled because of the team’s inability to punch the ball into the end zone on four goal line runs.
    Omar Kelly August 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Violent arrest left McNeil with a fractured tooth, concussion McNeil's attorneys at the July 23 news conference said the college student suffered permanent injuries from his arrest, including a fractured tooth that punctured his lip and required stitches.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • What aspects of hip-hop are being punctured right now?
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Krea, a design tool built by a team of musicians, poets, designers and videographers, offers visual artists one place to access a range of AI models that can generate new images from text prompts, refine existing ones or enhance video.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Those who wore the uniform have earned the right to access quality and timely health care.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Apart from at the very top of the tree, which presumably pokes through Florentino Perez’s office window at Real Madrid, there are no solutions, only trade-offs.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Gavin Newsom continues to mock Trump on 'Bela' The California governor's office has taken to mimicking Trump's social media style in posts trolling the president and generally poking fun at Republicans online.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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