penetrate
verb (used with object)
to pierce or pass into or through.
have penetrated
-
present perfectof penetrate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As law, policy and regulation have penetrated deeper into every facet of life, the First Amendment right “to petition the government for the redress of grievances” has become of utmost importance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
To date, only one other Houthi-fired missile has been reported to have penetrated Israeli territory, striking near the Red Sea port of Eilat in March.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2024
Britain's Ministry of Defence said that Ukrainian forces have penetrated the first line of Russian defences in some areas but that Kyiv's progress had been slower in others.
From Reuters ● Jun. 10, 2023
Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down most of the drones, but enough have penetrated air defenses to do significant damage, prompting Ukrainians to reassess their tactics.
From New York Times ● Oct. 18, 2022
He is still at the bottom, despite the few who have penetrated to slightly higher levels.
From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
