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, cutting, raw, sharp, shrewd, smarting, stingingRelated Words brisk, invigorating, nippy, snappy; needlelike, prickly, tingling; caustic, corrosiveNear 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, loud, plangent, resounding, ringing, roaring, slam-bang, sonorous, stentorian, thundering, thunderousRelated Words brazen, dinning, discordant, noisy, obstreperous, raucous, rip-roaring, vociferous; grating, harsh, overloud, sharp, shrill, squealing, stridentNear Antonyms dead, quiet, silent, still, stilly, ultraquiet; calm, dreamy, peaceful, restful, serene, soothing, tranquil; hushed, muffled, muted, softened, toned (down)Antonyms gentle, low, soft