penetrative

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​tive ˈpe-nə-ˌtrā-tiv How to pronounce penetrative (audio)
1
: tending to penetrate : piercing
2
: acute
penetrative observations
3
: impressive
a penetrative speaker

Examples of penetrative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For reference, this is similar in concept to how Kevlar and other synthetic armors combine both fibers and matrices to resist penetrative forces. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Tottenham have needed more success from their ball-carrying, given the lack of penetrative passing in the side. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 To tell those stories, democracies would have to invest more in penetrative communications and persuasive content. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 Have conversations around non-penetrative, pleasurable activities, including body movement and dancing. Essence, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetrative

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of penetrative was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Penetrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetrative. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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