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
Those pictures are much more penetrating then the pictures of walls with bullet holes. — Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2023 Nachmanides takes a different approach and offers perhaps the most penetrating psychological insight. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2022
Verb
Grapeseed oil deeply hydrates hair by penetrating all layers of the hair shaft, leaving it moisturized from the inside out. — Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026 Neem oil naturally inhibits fungal spores from spreading or penetrating plant leaves. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 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
  • The pacing is more frenetic, the narration more biting, the flashbacks more jarring, and the comedowns much harsher.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of biting
Verb
  • Panu mentioned that Novig’s deal with the Mets contains integration with the club’s rewards program, which could also lead to users accessing enhanced experiences at Citi Field.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Walsh said the risks created by third-party software accessing sensitive information aren’t unique to ChatGPT or AI.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of accessing
Adjective
  • Trump has declined so far to endorse a successor, opting to keep his cards close ahead of what’s likely to be a bitter race.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • If more than a small portion is green, or the potato smells off, feels soft, or tastes bitter after cooking, discard it.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitter
Verb
  • Agents then raided the Wynwood apartment and found 540 kilos (almost 1,200 pounds) of cocaine, $3 million in cash, 14 firearms and more than 100 rounds of armor-piercing bullets, prosecutors say.
    — David Goodhue August 26, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Claire’s is trying to recapture its glory as the go-to destination for both tween girls and for piercing.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of piercing
Adjective
  • These critters may look cute and cuddly, but their sharp claws are anything but.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Domagal-Goldman compared Roman’s capabilities to capturing an all-encompassing view of a forest as well as seeing sharp details of its trees, like leaves and birds, all at the same time.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sharp
Verb
  • However, entering June, crude prices pulled back significantly, while retail gasoline prices declined at a markedly slower pace.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Late Thursday, Hoffenberg shared with the Tribune a two-hour surveillance video that, at one point, shows Landek and Hoffenberg entering the frame in mid-conversation.
    — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of entering

Browse Nearby Words

penetrates
penetrating
penetration
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Cite this Entry

“Penetrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrating. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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