penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
a
: the power to penetrate
especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely
b
: the depth to which something penetrates
c
: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market
2
: the act or process of penetrating: such as
a
: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished
b
: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory
Choose the Right Synonym for penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of people affected by the housing crisis

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body. the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company multiple penetrations into enemy territory a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The company continues to focus on expanding the market penetration of the Nathan's Famous brand through its Licensing and Branded Product Programs. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 This translates to a penetration rate of 49% of China’s auto market in September. Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024 Cobalt Strike is a penetration testing tool designed for cybersecurity teams to simulate attacks. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Strategic Communication Opportunities In Global Expansion Leveraging product managers across various platforms can significantly boost global market penetration: 1. Hanna Park, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for penetration 

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of penetration was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near penetration

Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetration. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the act or process of penetrating
2
a
: the depth to which something penetrates
b
: keen understanding

Medical Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the depth to which something penetrates
2
: the act or process of penetrating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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