PENETRATING

adj. 1 incisive, trenchant, keen, searching, deep, acute, sharp, perceptive, perspicuous, percipient, quick, discriminating, intelligent, sensitive, clever, smart, discerning This is a penetrating analysis of the situation which clarifies many of the issues 2 piercing, shrill, strident, ear-splitting, ear-shattering, pervasive; pungent, harsh, biting, mordant, strong, stinging I was awakened by a penetrating scream The penetrating odour of ammonia assailed my nostrils.