infiltrate

verb

ˈin-(ˌ)fil-ˌtrāt How to pronounce infiltrate (audio)
Definition of infiltratenext
as in to sneak
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way over time, undercover agents infiltrated the crime ring and eventually busted their gambling racket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 infiltrate The Ukrainian military said Saturday that small groups of Russian soldiers had infiltrated the town, but counter-sabotage operations were ongoing. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 If your kids need to use the restroom, there is a lengthy stretch midway through the film where a small army of Buzz Lightyear toys infiltrate a campsite, and Buzz and Woody unplug Lily’s charger back at Bonnie’s house. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Is there a level of insanity, vitriol and stupidity that is infiltrating almost every aspect of our modern society, regardless of your political or religious views? — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Written and produced by Australian filmmaker Anthony Maley, the project follows three unlikely insect heroes who infiltrate a vast human chemical fortress in search of an antidote to a toxin threatening the survival of their world. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for infiltrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infiltrate
  1. sneak
  2. worm
  3. insert
  4. slip
  5. work in
Verb
  • Butch standing there in his plaid pajamas, sneaking sugar cubes to Rambler and Snowy.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
  • When grounders sneaked through the infield, his body language was uneventful.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of sneak
Verb
  • Heath hoped that the agent could worm his way even deeper into Red44.
    — Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
  • The flea larvae, which look like tiny maggots, worm their way into the carpet or mattress, feeding on the flea dirt that their parents left behind, says Benson.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Definition of worm
Verb
  • Itanare, Flores and Luis Freites Arvilla would then take turns appearing to approach the ATM, insert a card and enter a PIN, withdraw cash, and then repeat the process.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Grill, uncovered, turning often, until charred in spots and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thighs and/or drumsticks registers 160°, about 5 minutes more.
    — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Definition of insert
Verb
  • But instead of slipping into fixer mode, reflect on what the situation is exposing to you about an emotional pattern.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • This portable misting fan is more discreet than a spray bottle fan on a lanyard and svelte enough to slip into a purse or backpack.
    — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of slip
Verb
  • Strappy Sandal Unlike myself, my mom spends five days a week working in person and has the office-proof shoe collection to prove it.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The husband was a mechanical engineer and the wife worked in the administration office of the local Lutheran school.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of work in

Browse Nearby Words

infightings
infiltrate
infiltrated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infiltrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infiltrate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infiltrate

Nglish: Translation of infiltrate for Spanish Speakers

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