penetrating

[pen-i-trey-ting]

adjective

1. able or tending to penetrate; piercing; sharp: a penetrating glance.

   a penetrating shriek;

   a penetrating glance.

2. acute; discerning.

   a penetrating observation.

   Synonyms: sharp, keen
   Antonyms: obtuse

3. Surgery.,  noting a wound that pierces the skin, especially a deep wound entering an organ or body cavity.

penetrating

/ ˈpɛnɪˌtreɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. tending to or able to penetrate

   a penetrating mind

   a penetrating voice

Other Word Forms

• penetratingly adverb
• penetratingness noun
• nonpenetrating adjective
• unpenetrating adjective
• unpenetratingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrating¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; penetrat(e) + -ing ²

Synonym Study

See acute.

Example Sentences

The rounds are designed to spread the force of impact over a larger area, without penetrating the skin.

From Los Angeles Times

Each year a new batch replaces the old with only a select few penetrating public consciousness enough to make a best-of reel.

From Los Angeles Times

The number of Russian munitions penetrating Ukrainian air defences appears to be increasing, with explosions around the capital Kyiv becoming a daily part of life for residents of the city.

From BBC

Russia's overnight air strikes broke another record, Ukraine's air force said, with 72 of the 550 drones penetrating air defences - up from a previous record of 537 launched last Saturday night.

From BBC

I never agreed with his politics, but his most penetrating social trait was how very forthcoming and honest he was with me, regarding everyone from Angela Davis to Gorbachev.

From Salon

Related Words

• astute 
• incisive 
• perceptive 
• profound 
• shrewd