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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Dressed in matching purple outfits, Williams and Alcaraz — in their first-ever pairing — quickly became the must-see team after entering the mixed doubles event as a wild card. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 The industry is also entering a slower period, which will include two-for-one ticket promotions, ahead of the fall ramp up in new shows. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Unsurprisingly, Parton got enough votes to enter the Hall of Fame that year, joining a class that also included Eminem, Judas Priest, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 But the stock is nearly 12% off its May 14 high, and has fallen for seven straight days entering Tuesday trading. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enter

Verb

Their forensic multi-scale remote sensing (MSRS) framework combines satellite radar, laser scanning, and ground-penetrating radar to find suspicious areas, investigate them in detail, and probe what may be happening underground.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
This can be from a gunshot, bone fragment, or anything that would be used to penetrate the brain.

— Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of penetrate

Verb

Martin, 22, joined the Pride ahead of the 2026 season after signing her first professional contract with the club in January following a standout collegiate career at Georgetown University.

— Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Volunteers rush to save livestock and help Ranchers For the past 48 hours, Garrett Duvall and the Rancher's Navy have been moving through the burn zone, joining dozens of volunteers and crews trying to save livestock and help ranchers recover.

— Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of join

Verb

The singer recorded her appearance on the show earlier this month, only hours before being hospitalized for appendicitis.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Chase Lloyd recorded two interceptions last year, while Ah’Mare Lee finished with an interception and 12 passes defended.

— John Devine, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of record

Verb

Once installed, it can be recharged wirelessly using a dedicated charger, reducing the need to physically access the battery.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
The disaster declaration allows farmers and agricultural producers in those regions to access emergency loans.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of access

Verb

There isn’t room on a roster to list all the positions where North Chicago senior Amari Earl could play in a single game.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Omarr Norman-Lott is listed below, beginning the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of list

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ententes

enter

enterable

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Style

“Enter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of enter

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Synonyms of enter

verb

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Phrases Containing enter

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

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