pierce

Definition of piercenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pierce differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pierce are enter, penetrate, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When might enter be a better fit than pierce?

While the synonyms enter and pierce are close in meaning, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

When is penetrate a more appropriate choice than pierce?

While in some cases nearly identical to pierce, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

Where would probe be a reasonable alternative to pierce?

The synonyms probe and pierce are sometimes interchangeable, but probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

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 pierce The bullet pierced Ramseur’s arm and entered his chest through his side. Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 The iconic spire of the Sustainability & Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai rises in the background, subtly piercing the mist. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Regardless of your thoughts on the 2016 renaissance, piercing trends have continued to expand and evolve. Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026 The steppe is sand pierced by grasses and little pale flowers. Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Plus, Neutrogena’s patented micro-peptide technology, which allows the peptides to penetrate more easily into the skin and better, boosts collagen and elastin production.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Carter also drilled two 3-pointers and did a little bit of everything while racking up seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • With five seconds to play before the break, Madden drilled a three-pointer from distance, providing the Hawks a 28-25 lead at intermission.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The stabbing death of former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson could be linked to a series of homicides, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said on Tuesday.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The brother survived the shot, but died after Thompson took a knife and stabbed him 57 times, mostly in the neck area.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Airbus has already indicated that its next-generation single-aisle aircraft, expected to enter service in the second half of the 2030s, could feature an open-fan engine.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Philon, who entered the game averaging 22 points, finished with 14.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mohamed adds punch to the running game.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Last week, the Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • One of the bullets struck Boyd in the abdomen, traveled through his body, and ultimately punctured one of his lungs.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Needles can puncture the walls of veins, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Now, the Iranian government has made strides towards more broadly implementing technology that allows only people with security clearance to access the international web, Rashidi told CNN.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Jacksonville incident poked at the tension.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The Stars pulled even when Nils Lundkvist poked a rebound past Hellebuyck on a shot from Duchene with five minutes left in the second period.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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