1
[ adjective ] suitable for cutting or piercing

Synonyms

incisive

Examples

"incisive teeth" "the piercing needle"

Related terms

sharp

2
[ adjective ] as physically painful as if caused by a sharp instrument

Examples

"a cutting wind" "keen winds" "knifelike cold" "piercing knifelike pains" "piercing cold" "piercing criticism" "a stabbing pain" "lancinating pain"

Related terms

sharp

3
[ adjective ] high-pitched and sharp

Synonyms

shrill sharp

Examples

"piercing screams" "a shrill whistle"

Related terms

high

4
[ adjective ] having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

Examples

"an acute observer of politics and politicians" "incisive comments" "icy knifelike reasoning" "as sharp and incisive as the stroke of a fang" "penetrating insight"

Related terms

perceptive

5
[ adjective ] as physically painful as if caused by a sharp instrument

Examples

"a cutting wind" "keen winds" "knifelike cold" "piercing knifelike pains" "piercing cold" "piercing criticism" "a stabbing pain" "lancinating pain"

Related terms

sharp

6
[ adjective ] loud and sharp

Examples

"the piercing shriek of sirens"

Related terms

cacophonous

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