interpenetrate

verb

in·​ter·​pen·​e·​trate ˌin-tər-ˈpe-nə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce interpenetrate (audio)
interpenetrated; interpenetrating; interpenetrates
Synonyms of interpenetratenext

intransitive verb

: to penetrate mutually

transitive verb

: to penetrate between, within, or throughout : permeate
interpenetration
ˌin-tər-ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce interpenetrate (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of interpenetrate in a Sentence

with tie-dyeing, the dye does not interpenetrate the entire fabric
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 strong medicine of Zen and other mystical traditions can flip us into a state of experiencing our whole Self—a boundless, selfless Self that interpenetrates with all that is. — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Building and action interpenetrate in the courtyards, arcades, and stairways. — Thomas Meaney, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1810, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of interpenetrate was circa 1810

Rhymes for interpenetrate

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Browse Nearby Words

interpenetrant
interpenetrate
interpenetrative
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Cite this Entry

“Interpenetrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interpenetrate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

interpenetrate

verb
in·​ter·​pen·​e·​trate ˌint-ər-ˈpen-ə-ˌtrāt How to pronounce interpenetrate (audio)
1
: to penetrate between, within, or throughout
2
: to penetrate mutually
interpenetration
-ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce interpenetrate (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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