Definition of infiltratenext
as in to sneak
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way over time, undercover agents infiltrated the crime ring and eventually busted their gambling racket

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 infiltrate Thematically, Wuthering Heights is reminiscent of the director’s previous movie, Saltburn, which also saw a rough outsider infiltrating the upper class in Britain. David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 The story begins with the Minions infiltrating Hollywood and pitching their own monster movie. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 Intolerance had infiltrated the sport, and football decided to fight back. Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 While contrast therapy has long been popular in Scandinavia, it’s only recently infiltrated mainstream US culture, especially in big cities like New York and Los Angeles. Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infiltrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infiltrate
Verb
  • Carolyn sneaks into a gala; Klein, the fairy godmother, introduces her to the instantly besotted prince, John.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • If your goal is to be able to sneak in earlier or add on an extra service, remember that typically stylists’ schedules are intentionally very tight.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her strange presence in Georgia — where Gabbard reportedly arranged for FBI agents to make a post-raid call to the president — looks like nothing more than a way to worm her way back into his good graces.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Callahan spent much of season 4 trying to worm inside Kyle's head and lure him over to the Aryans in order to undercut Mike, but Kyle managed to resist his twisted siren song.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Oulonger 12-Pack In-Ground Solar Pathway Lights These solar lawn lights also have a stake, and can be easily inserted into the ground so that the actual light is level with the lawn surface.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rookie, who turned 20 last week, is enjoying an excellent season and has at least inserted his name into the Calder Trophy finalist conversation alongside Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders’ fantastic 18-year-old defenseman.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • French wine and spirits exports have slipped from being traditionally France’s second-largest export sector to third, behind aerospace and cosmetics, as trade tensions intensified.
    Reuters 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Laboureau and Pizzi met in Argentina nearly 17 years ago, with Laboureau working in fashion and Pizzi in the events industry.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Google, in particular, has some unique features working in its favor, Sosnick added.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infiltrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infiltrate. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on infiltrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!