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 While traveling to Saint Luke’s Hospital aboard an ambulance, the suspect allegedly stabbed Hoffman with a knife, piercing his heart, around 1:25 a.m. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025 Early Sunday morning, firefighter Graham Hoffman, 29, was in the back of an ambulance transporting a patient to the hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, when he was stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart, according to a press release published on the city's website. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025 Hoffman was stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart, Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said in a statement. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2025 Graham Hoffman, 29, was transporting a patient following a routine medical call from police on Sunday when he was stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart. Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • Pros: Instant hydration and plump Cons: Pricey for the amount of product A dermatologist favorite, this product penetrates deep into the skin, increasing the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels, aiding in long-term hydration and plumping.
    Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 14 May 2025
  • However, when fully dry, potting mix becomes hydrophobic, meaning water will run off the surface of the media instead of penetrating deeper into the pot.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The Bears’ senior drilled a walk-off double to center field in the bottom of the seventh that scored two runs, giving Menlo-Atherton a 4-3 win Wednesday over Burlingame in a Peninsula Athletic League Bay contest.
    Mike Lefkow, Mercury News, 8 May 2025
  • On the Knicks’ next possession, Bridges drilled a 3-pointer from the corner, getting help from the backboard as the ball glanced off the glass.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • Life outside the courtroom, however, is a bit more complicated, with Nash-Betts weeping in a hospital gown and Kardashian stabbing herself with a needle in a bathroom stall.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 13 May 2025
  • Rapper Tory Lanez, who is serving jail time, was hospitalized after another inmate stabbed him.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety runs the database but local law enforcement agencies are responsible for entering the names.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • His desire to enter the priesthood came at a very young age.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The Panthers can punch with anyone, if this series comes to that.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
  • All three have at least one title, too, and the power four has punched three Final Four tickets in the last two state tournaments.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Putin’s absence punctured hopes of a breakthrough in peace efforts that were given a push in recent months by the Trump administration and Western European leaders amid the intense maneuvering.
    Mehmet Guzel, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Williams driver Carlos Sainz failed to finish after puncturing his tire.
    Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • However, these groups have historically faced significant barriers, such as the need to visit bank branches or obtain documents in person to access such services.
    Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Google’s Gemini chatbot is heading to the Chrome browser, giving desktop users another way to access the company’s rival to ChatGPT.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • During that same April 5 episode, Weekend Update’s Colin Jost poked fun at the singer in a bit about the economy.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 May 2025
  • The contest did not last long as Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye 18 seconds into the second round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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