penetrating
Americanadjective
Synonym Usage
See acute.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of penetrating
First recorded in 1590–1600; penetrat(e) + -ing 2
Vocabulary lists containing penetrating
"Animal Wisdom" and "The Last Wolf," Vocabulary from the poems
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Skellig
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Insightful
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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.
Nothing is more sublime than transitioning from Jimin’s penetrating vocals of “You know how we do!” on “2.0” directly to the deep reverberations of the ancient bell that soothe and reset.
From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026
In terms of penetrating the code of silence, “the police are easier to crack than firefighters,” she added.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
What is meant to be the most penetrating display of contemporary American art leaves one with a grim view of the state of creativity today.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
To study its terrain, scientists must rely on radar imaging capable of penetrating the cloud layer.
From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026
A rotting, glistening hand, slithering back beneath a black cloak...a long, rattling breath from an unseen mouth...then a cold so penetrating it felt like drowning....
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
