as in to pierce
to go or come in or into
a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Can Russia Overcome Setbacks this Summer? While Arctic LNG 2 activity suggests Russia is preparing to increase LNG sales, Moscow will have to overcome challenges to further penetrating the Asian markets.
—
Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and, when present in large enough quantities, may lead to health issues, the EPA says.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
The soil should contain plenty of organic matter to allow the fine roots of these plants to penetrate the soil.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
Two major parties—Democratic and Republican—have dominated U.S. politics and no third party in recent memory has been able to penetrate the two-party system in a meaningful way.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetrate
Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and, when present in large enough quantities, may lead to health issues, the EPA says.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
The soil should contain plenty of organic matter to allow the fine roots of these plants to penetrate the soil.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
Two major parties—Democratic and Republican—have dominated U.S. politics and no third party in recent memory has been able to penetrate the two-party system in a meaningful way.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrate
Verb
-
The bullet pierced that victim’s left thigh, exiting then lodging in her right thigh.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
22 July 2025
-
Reduce heat to low to maintain a simmer; simmer over low, covered, until broth mixture has thickened and steaks are tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour, stirring gravy and turning steaks every 15 minutes.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
Celebrity status became an advantage for these public figures when entering the courtroom and facing a jury of their peers, experts told Fox News Digital.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
Videos from the scene posted to social media showed dozens of firefighters and other emergency service personnel at the scene, entering the building and removing residents from the immediate danger.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The animal became the first black bear in five years to be killed in a management action situation in Yellowstone, with the last case coming in July 2020 when a black bear injured campers and accessed human food at a backcountry campsite in the park, officials said.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
19 July 2025
-
Always access Amazon directly through the mobile app or by typing amazon.co.uk in your browser.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share