ENTER Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'enter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate , pierce , and probe . While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. // entered the city in triumph

Q: Where would 'penetrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'enter'?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: When can 'pierce' be used instead of 'enter'?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

Q: When is it sensible to use 'probe' instead of 'enter'?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

enter

verb

ˈen-tər

Definition of enter next

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into the hikers entered the cave with considerable caution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to join

to become a member of patriotic young men and women entering the armed services debutantes entering society

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as in to record

to put (someone or something) on a list new voters fill out a form and elections officials enter their names into the database

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delete

as in to receive

to offer entrance (as to a place, school, or privilege) to the club enters only five new members a year

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb enter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enter are penetrate, pierce, and probe. While all these words mean "to make way into something," enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

Where would penetrate be a reasonable alternative to enter?

While the synonyms penetrate and enter are close in meaning, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When can pierce be used instead of enter?

Although the words pierce and enter have much in common, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

When is it sensible to use probe instead of enter?

In some situations, the words probe and enter are roughly equivalent. However, 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 enter After years of futility and irrelevancy in the NFL, the Chiefs entered the Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid era: Reid was hired in 2013 and Mahomes was drafted in 2017. —

Bette Canter, Sportico.com, 8 Feb. 2025 For more than 100 years, these stations have been used to stop harmful pests from entering the state and damaging California’s agriculture and diverse environment. —

Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 8 Feb. 2025 Midway through the third, the Leafs entered the zone on a rush. —

Joe Smith, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025 Say farewell to the Year of the Wood Dragon because the Year of the Wood Snake is upon us, officially beginning when the new moon enters Aquarius at 4:36 a.m. —

Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enter

Verb

During the cool, wet winter months, the elements responded by curling upwards, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate the building.

— Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025
Scoring—cutting a shallow criss-cross pattern—allows seasonings to penetrate deeper into foods.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2025