piercing

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”

high-pitched and sharp

• “piercing screams”
• “a shrill whistle”

as physically painful as if caused by a sharp instrument

• “a cutting wind”
• “keen winds”
• “knifelike cold”
• “piercing knifelike pains”
• “piercing cold”
• “piercing criticism”
• “a stabbing pain”
• “lancinating pain”

suitable for cutting or piercing

• “incisive teeth”
• “the piercing needle”

loud and sharp

• “the piercing shriek of sirens”