having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions; an acute observer of politics and politicians; incisive comments; icy knifelike reasoning; as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang; penetrating insight; frequent penetrative observations

[ Syn: acute , discriminating , incisive , keen , knifelike , penetrating , piercing , sharp ]

tending to penetrate; having the power of entering or piercing; a toxic penetrative spray applied to the surface; a cold penetrating wind; a penetrating odor

[ Syn: penetrating ]