- 1(of someone's eyes or the way they look at you) making you feel uncomfortable because the person seems to know what you are thinking penetrating blue eyes a penetrating gaze/look/stare
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- 2(of a sound or voice) loud and hard synonym piercing Her voice was shrill and penetrating.
- 3showing that you have understood something quickly and completely a penetrating comment/criticism/question
- 4spreading deeply or widely a penetrating smell the penetrating cold/damp
Check pronunciation: penetrating