Synonyms of penetrating

penetrating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpe-nə-ˌtrā-tiŋ 

as in biting

causing intense discomfort to one's skin

an icy, penetrating rain that made you feel really miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• biting
• bitter
• sharp
• piercing
• brisk
• stinging
• cutting
• keen
• shrewd
• raw
• smarting
• caustic
• corrosive
• invigorating
• snappy
• needlelike
• prickly
• tingling
• nippy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gentle
• mild
• soothing
• balmy

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

• accessing
• piercing
• entering
• invading
• stepping into
• setting foot in
• infiltrating
• bursting (in or into)
• dropping in
• encroaching
• waltzing (in)
• intruding
• popping (in)
• wandering (into)
• straying (into)
• barging (in)
• breezing (in)
• trespassing
• infringing
• crashing
• gate-crashing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leaving
• departing
• exiting

Example Sentences

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

Built by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons while penetrating advanced enemy air defenses. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

While at her home, Tate is accused of putting his arm around her neck and placing her in a chokehold without her consent, penetrating her between bouts of unconsciousness over several hours. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026