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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

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

From Nature ● Apr. 28, 2020

The skin can be used to test the toxicity or irritation potential of a substance, and the penetrative qualities of active ingredients in products like cosmetics.

From Reuters ● Nov. 13, 2019

In the early world of Greece and Italy, the beliefs relating to Fate had a vital and penetrative force which belonged only to them.

From Essays in the Study of Folk-Songs (1886) by Countess Evelyn Martinengo-Cesaresco

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