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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.

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

Since longer wavelengths of light can penetrate deeper into the body, a protein that responds to near-infrared light could allow researchers to reach cells that are otherwise difficult to access.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

The modular low-cost architecture platform enables multi-product development to penetrate the market for electric scooters priced below INR125,000 and build scale, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

This shift is the result of a major push by budget brands to rapidly penetrate zip-codes and go into the deepest pockets of India.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

When they’re denied a spot, their wails penetrate my skin like tiny needles.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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