penetrating
1. [ adjective ] having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Synonyms: sharp keen incisive acute knifelike piercing penetrative discriminating
Examples:

"an acute observer of politics and politicians" "incisive comments" "icy knifelike reasoning" "as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang" "penetrating insight"

Related terms: perceptive
2. [ adjective ] tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing
Synonyms: penetrative
Examples:

"a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface" "a cold penetrating wind" "a penetrating odor"

Related terms: sharp
Similar spelling:   penetratingly
  penetration
  penetrative
  penetrate
  penetrator
  penetratively
  penetralia
  penetrability
  penetrable