penetrating

Adjective

• 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
    

• 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
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  penetrative , acute , discriminating , incisive , keen , knifelike , piercing , sharp