1
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
that light sweater will be no match for the piercing wind outside
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
marked by a high volume of sound
the frightened child emitted a piercing shriek that could be heard all over the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in penetrating
to go or come in or into
thoughts of revenge relentlessly pierced her mind
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drilling
to make a hole or series of holes in
pierced his ears with a needle
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stabbing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
the saber pierced his chest, releasing a spurt of blood
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of piercing
Mohammed Naseehu Ali, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
For the piercing and tattoo shop, that changeover started last September with checking the building's insulation and air sealing to determine what size heat pumps were needed.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024
John Annese, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
Surveillance camera video of the strike showed huge fireballs piercing the darkness and slamming into the ground at astonishing speed.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for piercing 
Adjective
The sad and piercing voice of the funeral crier continued, reciting the phrases over and over, and very soon the cries of women and children filled the night air.
—Mohammed Naseehu Ali, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
For the piercing and tattoo shop, that changeover started last September with checking the building's insulation and air sealing to determine what size heat pumps were needed.
—Jeff Brady, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024
Verb
That argument, which the bus driver was not involved in, ended in gunshots, with a stray slug piercing the bus’ windshield, the spokesman said.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
Surveillance camera video of the strike showed huge fireballs piercing the darkness and slamming into the ground at astonishing speed.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for piercing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piercing
Adjective
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Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women.The Week US, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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As playwright, Barbot sits between them, turning the mainstream obscurity of his protagonists into a biting political point, and reflecting poignantly on the long arc of history, which sure seems to take its sweet time bending toward justice.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Mangione’s previous appearance in court included a loud outburst when he was lead into the building, but this morning’s proceedings went quietly and Mangione seemed in good spirits.Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
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The sheer size of the crowds in Tampa and Philly made those two of the loudest crowd pops of her career, but Bayley said the depth of the story with Damage CTRL also added to the reactions — and to her own pride in accomplishment.Jay Reddick, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Winterized Trail Running Shoes These trail running shoes are designed for wet muck, packed snow, and sloppy terrain in general, with their traction adding necessary grip and rugged uppers protecting from punctures and penetrating cold and moisture.Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
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It’s coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment that helps bead water and stop it from penetrating the outer layer.Wes Siler, Outside Online, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The killer wanted for stabbing a father of three to death at a Brooklyn bodega bought a cup of coffee inside before throwing it in the victim’s face in the fight leading up to the slay, shocking video shows.Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
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Knives were banned at this Christmas market after an armed man went on a stabbing spree at a market in August.Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Collard greens are a beloved staple in Southern and African American cuisine, celebrated for their hearty texture, slightly bitter taste, and ability to absorb bold flavors.Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
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The results left the Republicans reduced, bitter and more desperate than ever for a new hero.Peter Goldman, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Zoom out: While these protests may be vociferous, there's an equally deafening volume of grievances the SEC sees.Hope King, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024
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McBride’s defense turned into offense that later induced more deafening pops from The Garden crowd.Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 23 Apr. 2024
Verb
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This cooling is crucial for entering the deeper stages of sleep.Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024
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The decision to hold the cohort in Nicosia was driven by necessity, as current restrictions prevent Palestinian participants from entering Israel.Hessie Jones, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The group in the other vehicle surround Martinez between the two vehicles, with two people repeatedly punching her while a third person pulls her legs, taking her to the ground.Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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According to Hallman, Forrest-Stitt responded by allegedly assaulting him, punching him in the chest, hitting his mouth, and causing injuries, including a busted lip and a painful bicep injury.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near piercing
Cite this Entry
“Piercing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piercing. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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