penetrating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrā-tiŋ How to pronounce penetrating (audio)
Definition of penetratingnext
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin an icy, penetrating rain that made you feel really miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

penetrating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of penetrate
as in accessing
to go or come in or into a needle penetrated the heavy canvas only with great effort

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of penetrating
Adjective
Nachmanides takes a different approach and offers perhaps the most penetrating psychological insight. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2022 One spring day in Paris many years ago, my wife, Diana, a most penetrating photographer, capable of seeing like no one else, decided, as an experiment, to walk across the city blindfolded. — Hisham Matar, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
Verb
Investigators using ground-penetrating radar found 117 intact remains in various stages of decomposition buried in an open field, the sheriff’s office said. — ABC News, 28 June 2026 Commercial grout cleaners can be more effective than DIY solutions since these cleaners have a higher concentration of penetrating chemicals. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for penetrating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrating
  1. biting
  2. accessing
  3. bitter
  4. piercing
  5. sharp
  6. entering
Adjective
  • Described as a biting political thriller in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta, The Hunted is set in a dystopian America where trans people are brutalized and erased to the margins of society.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026
  • So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
Definition of biting
Verb
  • The budget also removes some barriers to accessing care for families.
    — Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • First, Alberto Freites Arvilla would unplug the ATM and use a bezel key to open its hood, accessing the inside of the machine while Luis Freites Arvilla stood watch.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of accessing
Adjective
  • Losing to a rival is bad enough, but how the defeat unfolded is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of one of the greatest strikers ever.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
  • The empty hotels have now become a bitter symbol of the collapse of an industry once seen as key to Cuba’s economic future.
    — Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of bitter
Verb
  • Granite cliffs piercing the sea and the sky are Acadia National Park’s most recognizable feature.
    — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Her flat, piercing groundstrokes and booming serve are perfect for grass, and defending champion Świątek will need to calm down her serving roller coaster to stay in touch.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of piercing
Adjective
  • In addition to the sharp shape, the coffee brown shade gives the bag a more elevated feel.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • During male puberty, rising testosterone drives the cartilage to grow forward and meet at a sharper angle, while simultaneously lengthening the vocal folds and vocal tract housed just behind it.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of sharp
Verb
  • Despite entering the match as overwhelming favorites, Argentina is approaching the match cautiously.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • British singer Ellie Goulding was spotted entering a car while wearing a black cocktail dress.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of entering

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penetrating
penetration
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Cite this Entry

“Penetrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrating. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on penetrating

Nglish: Translation of penetrating for Spanish Speakers

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