PENETRATING Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

penetrating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrā-tiŋ

Definition of penetrating

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Neusch was acutely aware of nerve-equivalent impulses reporting the beam penetrating the light armor, searing the bio-andy’s hip and thigh. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026 On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office began using ground-penetrating radar to search the soil at Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna for carcasses. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for penetrating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penetrating

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

While not a benchmark leader, its power lies in leveraging Meta's extensive user data, generating contextually relevant images by accessing public photos from connected accounts.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela last month are increasingly facing challenges accessing clean water as well as sanitation and hygiene services.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 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

But those plans were derailed on Thursday when Egyptian authorities blocked the ship, the Scarlet Lady, from entering its waters at the last minute, according to Atlantis Events, days after the vessel was refused entry to Turkey.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Avoid entering basements or rooms where electrical outlets or cords are submerged in water.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of entering

Browse Nearby Words

penetrates

penetrating

penetration

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Penetrating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penetrating. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of penetrating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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