piercing

piercing

adjective

Definition of PIERCING

1

causing intense discomfort to one's skin <that light sweater will be no match for the piercing wind outside>

Synonyms biting, bitter, keen, penetrating, piercing, raw, sharp, shrewd, smarting, stinging

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

Near Antonyms balmy, gentle, mild, soothing

2

marked by a high volume of sound <the frightened child emitted a piercing shriek that could be heard all over the house>

Synonyms blaring, blasting, booming, clamorous, clangorous, deafening, earsplitting, piercing, plangent, resounding, ringing, roaring, slam-bang, sonorous, stentorian, thundering, thunderous

Related Words brazen, dinning, discordant, noisy, obstreperous, raucous, rip-roaring, vociferous; grating, harsh, overloud, sharp, shrill, squealing, strident

Near Antonyms dead, quiet, silent, still, stilly, ultraquiet; calm, dreamy, peaceful, restful, serene, soothing, tranquil; hushed, muffled, muted, softened, toned (down)

Antonyms gentle, low, soft