pierce

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 Poignant questions hang in the air: Can Orpheus’s love pierce the darkness and bring Eurydice home? News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 The five-year-old ear-piercing studio is opening a fleet of units this year both in new and existing markets, bringing its store count to 40 by the end of the year. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025 Even the high end feels woozy and drowned, like foliage piercing a melting frost. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 The song and album aren’t always as piercing as the couplet, but brevity allows Showbiz! Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • But as the damage fades and the years march on, toppled trees and downed branches create gaps in the canopy that let light penetrate to the forest floor.
    Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Light cannot penetrate some sinkholes further away from shore, like the Middle Island Sinkhole.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The same rescission notice mentions another Biden-era rule that established stronger protections against drilling in the Western Arctic.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Much of the remaining top-tier inventory is already drilled.
    Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The passenger who shot him was stabbed in the back and lungs and remains in critical condition, according to CBS News.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Police in Frisco on Thursday night responded to a gunshot call at a house where relatives of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a track meet live.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The outspoken mother, who has clashed with Rock in the past, quickly went on to reiterate her desire for Blueface to enter a relationship with rap star Megan Thee Stallion, a hope that she’s expressed on previous occasions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • With the arrival of Bizzarri and Maggio, the brand entered the American market, with a first U.S. boutique in the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami opening in December.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down on … Not Sarah Squirm’s fault and not hating on her.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
  • With their huge 198 score, the Green & White punched their first ticket to the NCAA Championships since 1988.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But economic realities and the physical limits of beaming internet connectivity from space could puncture the good vibes.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Having your skin punctured by a needle over and over hurts — and larger body art can require several sittings.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quantum internet removes that risk by ensuring only the sender and receiver can read a message, so not even the hosting platform can access it.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a tip which focuses on widgets, to provide personalized news, weather, calendar reminders and more, explaining that they’re accessed by pressing the Windows and W keys.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pierce

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