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Definitions

penetrating

[pen-i-trey-ting] / ˈpɛn ɪˌtreɪ tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
stinging, harsh
Synonyms
STRONGEST
biting piercing trenchant
STRONG
carrying clear-cut crisp cutting edged entering forcing infiltrating permeating pointed puncturing shrill
WEAK
going through ingoing intrusive passing through penetrant pervasive pungent sharp strong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
kind nice weak
STRONG
soft
WEAK
blunt dull idiotic senseless stupid unintelligent
ADJECTIVE
intelligent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
astute incisive perceptive profound shrewd
STRONG
discerning discriminating keen searching
WEAK
acute critical penetrative perspicacious quick quick-witted sagacious sharp sharp-witted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant shallow stupid
STRONG
undiscriminating
WEAK
blunt dull idiotic senseless unintelligent

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.

There are many ways to portray authoritarianism, but “Two Prosecutors” is penetrating in its depiction of a society being slowly poisoned.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"My eyes nearly popped out of my skull," said project lead Dr Alex Langlands, after ground penetrating radar revealed the "huge structure" in Margam Country Park.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

He replaced Ismaila Sarr just after Bakambu's opener, and made the leveller from a penetrating run down the right.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

By analyzing the plume material, scientists can assess subsurface conditions without penetrating the crust.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

His face was expressionless, his eyes penetrating and cold.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller