The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - penetratingadj.

1) incisive, trenchant, keen, searching, deep, acute, sharp, perceptive, perspicuous, percipient, quick, discriminating, intelligent, sensitive, clever, smart, discerning: This is a penetrating analysis of the situation which clarifies many of the issues. 2) piercing, shrill, strident, ear-splitting, ear-shattering, pervasive; pungent, harsh, biting, mordant, strong, stinging: I was awakened by a penetrating scream. The penetrating odour of ammonia assailed my nostrils.