Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb permeate

3 senses of permeate

Sense 1
permeate, pervade, penetrate, interpenetrate, diffuse, imbue, riddle -- (spread or diffuse through; "An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration"; "music penetrated the entire building"; "His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks")
       => penetrate, perforate -- (pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance; "The bullet penetrated her chest")

Sense 2
percolate, sink in, permeate, filter -- (pass through; "Water permeates sand easily")
       => penetrate, perforate -- (pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance; "The bullet penetrated her chest")

Sense 3
interpenetrate, permeate -- (penetrate mutually or be interlocked; "The territories of two married people interpenetrate a lot")
       => penetrate, perforate -- (pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance; "The bullet penetrated her chest")