penetrate (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnɪtreɪt/

Definition

To succeed in forcing a way into or through a thing; to pass into or through, as a substance or force.

Examples

• The bullet penetrated the wall.

• Sunlight penetrated the dense forest canopy.

• The smell of smoke began to penetrate the building.

How to Use penetrate

penetrate into (prepositional phrase)

To pass into or through something. — "The roots of the tree penetrated into the soil."

penetrate through (prepositional phrase)

To succeed in forcing a way through something. — "The light penetrated through the clouds."

penetrate the (collocation)

To pass into or through a specific thing. — "The sound of the siren began to penetrate the quiet night."

Synonyms of penetrate

Words with a similar meaning to penetrate:

• enter
• pierce
• permeate
• infiltrate

Antonyms of penetrate

Words with the opposite meaning to penetrate:

• block
• avoid
• repel

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary