Synonyms of enter

enter

verb

ˈen-tər 

1

as in to penetrate

to go or come in or into

the hikers entered the cave with considerable caution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penetrate
• access
• pierce
• invade
• step into
• set foot in
• burst (in or into)
• breeze (in)
• infiltrate
• drop in
• trespass
• encroach
• intrude
• pop (in)
• waltz (in)
• wander (into)
• stray (into)
• infringe
• gate-crash
• barge (in)
• crash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• exit

2

as in to join

to become a member of

patriotic young men and women entering the armed services

debutantes entering society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• join
• rejoin
• enlist (in)
• enroll (in)
• sign up (for)
• reenter
• sign on (for)
• get in
• reenlist
• reenroll
• re-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• withdraw
• quit
• drop out
• demit

3

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

• record
• list
• register
• enroll
• file
• catalog
• schedule
• index
• slate
• book
• inscribe
• classify
• compile
• card
• note
• put down
• tabulate
• reschedule
• tally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delete

4

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

• receive
• admit
• take
• welcome
• entertain
• confirm
• ratify
• fellowship

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• bar
• reject
• dismiss
• ban
• disallow
• decline
• disapprove
• exile
• expel
• banish
• throw out
• oust
• deport
• ostracize
• blacklist
• blackball

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

Recent Examples of enter

City health facilities do not require patients to disclose their immigration status, and strict policies are in place to deny permission to non-local law enforcement, including ICE, from entering most city facilities. —Dr. Alister Martin, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Powell entered the Olympic year as the gold medal favorite. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

By the end of May, the world enters into seasonal energy demand increases, including the busy summer driving season. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

Powell now enters an uncertain offseason, facing the possibility of entering free agency unless the Heat signs him to an extension in the coming months. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing enter

• enter (into or upon)