piercing

¹piercing

adj

Definition of PIERCING

: penetrating: as a : loud, shrill <piercing cries> b : perceptive <piercing eyes> c : penetratingly cold : biting <a piercing wind> d : cutting, incisive <piercing sarcasm>

— pierc·ing·ly \ˈpir-siŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of PIERCING

1. She looked at me with piercing eyes, and I was suddenly frightened that she knew what I had done.
2. I tried to avoid his piercing stare.
3. She felt a piercing sadness when she heard the news.

First Known Use of PIERCING

14th century

Related to PIERCING

Synonyms: biting, bitter, keen, penetrating, cutting, raw, sharp, shrewd, smarting, stinging

Antonyms: gentle, low, soft

Related Words: brisk, invigorating, nippy, snappy; needlelike, prickly, tingling; caustic, corrosive

Near Antonyms: balmy, gentle, mild, soothing

see all synonyms and antonyms

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