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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.

"It is already known that nanoplastics can penetrate deep into our bodies. They are even found in brain tissue," he says.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged to reporters on Monday that one of the drones managed to penetrate the base’s defenses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

It’s also loud, as the sounds of a rambunctious funk band next door work to penetrate the space.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

A powerful drill is used to penetrate the frozen ground to bury training anti-tank mines, which were never banned.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

As a result these powerful substances could easily penetrate the inadequate defenses of the body.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.