as in to pierce
to go or come in or into
a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort
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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
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The bullet pierced that victim’s left thigh, exiting then lodging in her right thigh.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
22 July 2025
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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
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Apparently, Indonesian goods entering the United States will be greeted with a 19 percent tariff.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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Many entered the workforce during the Great Recession and now question whether traditional career advancement is worth the personal cost.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Telstra Plus members can access a presale beginning Monday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. local time.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 July 2025
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The battle may be between the cable companies, YouTube TV and ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app as the go-to destination to access all sports.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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