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 Then came the sound of shattering glass and the piercing echoes of gunfire. Tom Hanson, CBS News, 20 May 2025 However, the film as a whole rarely pierces this veil. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025 These are often too weak to have considerable impacts here on Earth, although stronger events can pierce the planet’s magnetic field and disrupt technological systems. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025 The first months of the second Trump administration have delivered blow after blow to American efforts to promote democracy abroad and pierce the information wall of authoritarian governments through programs that had been sustained over decades by presidents of both political parties. Christine Fernando, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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
  • Alone at the top of the key, Brunson dribbled into a wide open three and drilled it, and the Knicks went on to win 116-113.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
  • Carman crossed over the freshman to the right, then drilled the ball home in the lower right part of the net.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • In Spanish-language drama A Widow's Game, based on a true story, a young woman becomes the primary suspect in the stabbing death of her husband.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 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
  • John Klingberg The puck-moving defenceman entered the series the same night as Kane.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Things escalated between the pair and the woman punched the man in the shoulder with a closed fist, the spokesperson said.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • According to authorities, Ward told them the fight and stabbing were self-defense, claiming the mother attacked and punched her several times in the face.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 23 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
  • 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
  • For entrepreneurs, Chasm is now live and free to access online.
    Alexandra Pastore, Footwear News, 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 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

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