Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for penetrate. Search instead for Impenetrate.
Definitions

penetrate

[pen-i-treyt] / ˈpɛn ɪˌtreɪt /
VERB
pierce; get through physically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crack drill enter go through infiltrate invade pass through permeate pervade puncture seep
STRONG
access bayonet bore charge come diffuse drive encroach force gore impale insert insinuate introduce jab knife percolate perforate prick probe ream saturate spear stab suffuse thrust trespass
WEAK
barge in blow in break in breeze in bust in eat through filter in get in ingress make a hole make an entrance pop in run into sink into stick into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
surrender yield
STRONG
retreat
WEAK
exit misconstrue misinterpret misunderstand take out withdraw
VERB
understand or be understood
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect fathom get through touch
STRONG
comprehend decipher discern grasp impress perceive unravel
WEAK
become clear come across figure out get across get over get to the bottom put over see through sink in soak in work out
Antonyms
STRONG
misinterpret misunderstand neglect overlook
WEAK
exit misconstrue take out withdraw

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like sunlight, the lamps emit two different types of ultraviolet wavelengths: UVA, which are longer and penetrate more deeply into the skin, and UVB, which are shorter and more easily burn the outer layers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The $700 area proved too tough to penetrate after three consecutive doji candles from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Most British spiders couldn't bite you if they tried; their fangs are too small or weak to penetrate human skin.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Investors seem increasingly spooked by Mythos, a forthcoming Anthropic model that the company has said is so powerful it could penetrate existing cyber defenses if it’s misused by bad actors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Then he plunged them into the snow and began to build a wall of snow up around the entrance, filling the gaping space till only a small hole was left for the wind to penetrate.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Vocabulary lists containing penetrate

"The Ravine," Vocabulary from the short story

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Tuck Everlasting

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Esperanza Rising

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!