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 Nothing but quick and shocking outbursts of violence can pierce the movie’s surfaces of overheated restraint. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 As the tunnel passes beneath San Jacinto’s flank, as much as 2,500 feet of solid rock lies overhead, pierced only by two vertical ventilation shafts. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Each judge examines and verifies the vote, then the last one pierces the ballot with a needle and runs it along a thread. Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025 Moments later, the bear rushes in, bites the fawn in the back, and violently shakes it as the fawn lets out piercing bleats. Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • But as the damage fades and the years march on, toppled trees and downed branches create gaps in the canopy that let light penetrate to the forest floor.
    Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • That allows water and air to penetrate the thatch and begin the important process of decay.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After Murray drilled a three-pointer and assisted Aaron Gordon on a three-pointer for a 17-point Nuggets lead, Lue called a timeout with 2:35 left in the game and removed his starters.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In these four lopsided games, the Cavs drilled 77 three-pointers.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But when that program was repealed, Maria was forced to send her daughter to the local public school where, recently, three students were charged with stabbing, running over, and burning a fellow student.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • He was also suspected in a different stabbing several weeks ago in Bridgeport.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • And that’s a parting advice from Anis to anyone looking to enter the space.
    Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Most Popular Most Popular Maryland PF Julian Reese enters portal with no eligibility.
    Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That trend already spiraled into real-world hostility in 2024; while the song played at a bar in Germany, a crowd reportedly yelled slurs at a Black woman and punched her in the face, with one man allegedly Nazi-saluting.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
  • With that win, Niemann punched his ticket to Oakmont for the U.S. Open.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The trip to Paris ended in defeat and while the return leg at Villa Park conjured up both a win and one of the best games of the season, Villa’s European dreams were punctured by Luis Enrique’s men.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The plotline’s matter-of-fact profanity at once punctured any sense of simplistic morality and underlined that world events always coexist with everyday indignities.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Incentives for safe operators: Policyholders are able to access discounts for safe driving, business experience, military service, and owner-operator status.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • In laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made through which a surgeon can access the abdominal organs.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Underneath, a dress in a nearly identical shade poked through slightly, and the actress paired her all-gray attire with black pumps and a matching purse — plus her signature blonde bob, of course.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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