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Showing results for penetrative. Search instead for impenetrative.
Synonyms

penetrative

American  
[pen-i-tray-tiv] / ˈpɛn ɪˌtreɪ tɪv /

adjective

  1. tending to penetrate; piercing.

  2. acute; keen.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of penetrative

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word penetrātīvus. See penetrate, -ive


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.

See Examples For:

Martin said his side were in control early on, but many would argue otherwise given Genk's quick start and the penetrative runs of Zakaria El Ouahdi, in particular.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2025

Unless there are recurring, penetrative rains in August, the family will sell half of its herd.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2021

Expected goals suggested they were three times more penetrative than Palace, with matchwinner Adama Traoré leading the way, but it was the tighter defensive performance that boded just as well.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 11, 2021

Above all, alchemists strove to capture the fluid, penetrative properties of ‘mercury’.

From Nature ● Apr. 28, 2020

It asks no penetrative mind To know these fellows: when You meet them, you, unless you're blind.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

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