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 Then came the sound of shattering glass and the piercing echoes of gunfire. Tom Hanson, CBS News, 20 May 2025 However, the film as a whole rarely pierces this veil. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025 These are often too weak to have considerable impacts here on Earth, although stronger events can pierce the planet’s magnetic field and disrupt technological systems. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2025 The first months of the second Trump administration have delivered blow after blow to American efforts to promote democracy abroad and pierce the information wall of authoritarian governments through programs that had been sustained over decades by presidents of both political parties. Christine Fernando, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pierce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pierce
Verb
  • The sprawling but penetrating 4½ hour documentary about French complicity with its Nazi captors during the war exploded the myth that the French resisted their occupiers.
    Richard Natale, Variety, 26 May 2025
  • The difference between the two can be broken down as follows: Mineral Sunscreens Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, block the sun’s harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Alone at the top of the key, Brunson dribbled into a wide open three and drilled it, and the Knicks went on to win 116-113.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
  • Carman crossed over the freshman to the right, then drilled the ball home in the lower right part of the net.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Colette Stevenson MacDonald, 26, along with the couple's two daughters, Kimberley, 6, and Kristin, 2, were stabbed and beaten to death at their home located on the Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Regardless, the Angels were scoreless entering their final three outs again — Angel Stadium playing home to an offense in need of a pulse check.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • After Klinghoffer entered his plea, a prosecutor read a statement that warned against distracted driving.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • According to authorities, Ward told them the fight and stabbing were self-defense, claiming the mother attacked and punched her several times in the face.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • Things escalated between the pair and the woman punched the man in the shoulder with a closed fist, the spokesperson said.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The Big Red punctured the scoreboard first when sophomore attackman Ryan Waldman dodged the left alley and scored with 10:38 left in the first quarter.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
  • Memories linger from past hurricanes with limbs puncturing roofs, car windows smashed and lives disrupted.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Plasencia Enclosed within medieval walls and accessed through city gates, Plasencia invites strolling past historic buildings and bustling markets.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • In contrast, Windows makes every menu item easy to access via your keyboard.
    Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Within seconds, Phaedra poked fun at newbies Brit Eady, Angela Oakley, and Kelli Ferrell.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 25 May 2025
  • These two words have become an international meme, poking fun at Trump, especially since Putin ignored him.
    Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pierce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pierce. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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