Search Dictionary
Definition of penetrating

penetrating

/ˈpɛn.ə.treɪ.tɪŋ/
pen · e · trat · ing
Adverb:penetratingly
JUMP TO:

penetrating Lexical Profile

penetrating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing clear, sharp, and deep intellectual insight; discerning.

Example

"The historian offered a penetrating analysis of the economic factors behind the treaty."

2

(of a sound, smell, cold, or gaze) Loud, sharp, or intense enough to be felt deeply or noticed everywhere.

Example

"A penetrating chill swept off the harbor as the sun went down."

3

Able to pass into or through a physical substance or barrier.

Example

"The mechanic applied a penetrating oil to loosen the rusted bolts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for penetrating
Antonyms
View all antonyms for penetrating

• Rhymes for penetrating

• Nearby Words

pendulum
penetrable
penetrate
penetrating
penetratingly
penetration
penetrative

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'penetrate' plus the participial suffix '-ing', ultimately from Latin 'penetrare' ('to put or get into, enter'), related to 'penitus' ('innermost, deep').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penetrating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penetrating
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.