penetrating
adjective
1. having or demonstrating an sharp understanding.
- penetrating insight
- frequent penetrative observations
Similar word(s): perceptive, acute, discriminating, incisive, keen, knifelike, penetrative, piercing, sharp
2. tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
- a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface
- a cold penetrating wind
- a penetrating odor
Similar word(s): sharp, penetrative
Sentences with penetrating as an adjective:
- The skunk produces a penetrating odor.
- His novel shows a penetrating insight into the criminal mind.
verb
1. present participle of penetrate