Synonym Chooser

How does the verb penetrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of penetrate are enter, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When would enter be a good substitute for penetrate?

The words enter and penetrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 pierce a more appropriate choice than penetrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to penetrate, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When can probe be used instead of penetrate?

The synonyms probe and penetrate 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 penetrate It’s believed to be able to penetrate about 200 feet below the surface before exploding, and the bombs can be dropped one after another, drilling deeper and deeper with each successive blast. David Rising, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025 The same is true for thinner vs. thicker cuts, which need less and more time respectively for the flavors to penetrate the meat. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025 The nuclear fuel enrichment site at Fordo is buried deep beneath a mountain, and the attack against it used bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate the ground before exploding, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 If, as Israel maintains, Iran’s nuclear program has a hidden element, then surely that would not be housed in the same places where UN inspectors roam, and in the case of Fordow, over which there has been a public discussion for days of what American bombs might penetrate its deep caverns. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate
Verb
  • She was found on the ground near the lifeguard stand with an umbrella stake that had pierced the front of her left shoulder and was sticking out the back of her arm by about 1 foot, Asbury Park Fire Chief Kevin Keddy told ABC News.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 25 June 2025
  • The scepter pierced the ground of the Huanacaure mountain, and so rose the glimmering empire of Cuzco.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The irreplaceable power of human relationships — of teacher-student trust — must remain central, especially as AI enters the classroom.
    C.M. Rubin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • This immensely slow-moving and contemplative energy joins us into Leo season, which starts when the sun enters this confident fire sign on July 22.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC will be able to access the standard edition of the game through their subscription, or upgrade to the deluxe edition by paying an upgrade fee to play early.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Police, firefighters and medics had to search the heavily wooded area for a way to access the pond.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/penetrate. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on penetrate

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