PIERCE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pierce

verb

ˈpirs

Definition of pierce next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into thoughts of revenge relentlessly pierced her mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in pierced his ears with a needle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stab

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object the saber pierced his chest, releasing a spurt of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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 However that all turns out as the suit winds its way through the courts, what is totally true is how original and piercing the Richard Gadd-created and -starring Baby Reindeer is. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2024 Bake in preheated oven until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. —

Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 So it also is grounded in a kind of reality, even though piercing the sternum with the vampire's teeth is ludicrous. —

Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 25 Dec. 2024 Jolie receives these words graciously, but the right compliment can still pierce her defenses. —

Dave Itzkoff, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pierce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce

Verb

One system fans can follow is the COLD system, as explained by doctors in the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at the University of Kansas Health System: Clean: clean clothes avoid dirt or moisture that could allow the wind and cold to penetrate.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025
For decades, scientists have been using large drills to penetrate Arctic ice sheets and extract columns of ice up to 11,000 feet long.

— Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025