Knifelike (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

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".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The detective's knifelike instincts kicked in as she surveyed the crime scene.
• Her knifelike intellect allowed her to dissect the complex argument and expose its flaws.
• The journalist's knifelike questions cut through the politician's evasive responses and got to the heart of the matter.
• The philosopher's knifelike analysis of human nature revealed the darkest recesses of the human heart.
• Her knifelike perception picked up on the subtle cues that hinted at his true intentions.

Synonyms

• Penetrative
• Discriminating
• Incisive
• Sharp
• Piercing
• Keen
• Acute
• Penetrating

Meaning ²

Cutting or able to cut as if with a knife.

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The wind was knifelike, cutting through the thin fabric of her jacket.
• The surgeon's knifelike precision made the delicate procedure look effortless.
• The sharp rocks had a knifelike edge that made them perfect for scraping the old paint off the walls.
• The laser beam was knifelike in its ability to slice through the metal with ease.
• The cold air had a knifelike quality that made her shiver as she stepped outside.

Meaning ³

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".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The knifelike pain shot through her arm as she strained her shoulder.
• The knifelike wind sliced through the thin fabric of her jacket.
• The cold air cut through her like a knifelike blade, leaving her breathless.
• After the injury, she experienced knifelike pains that made it hard to move.
• The knifelike criticism from her boss left her feeling vulnerable and shaken.

Synonyms

• Lancinate
• Lancinating
• Stabbing
• Piercing
• Keen
• Cutting

Meaning ⁴

Having a sharp or distinct edge; "a narrow knifelike profile".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The mountain range had a knifelike ridgeline that abruptly dropped off into the valley below.
• The new skyscraper's design featured a knifelike tower that sliced through the city's skyline.
• The rock formation had a knifelike edge that made it a popular spot for rock climbers.
• The athlete's physique had a knifelike definition, with sharp lines and distinct muscle groups.
• The thin, knifelike plane of light sliced through the dusty air, illuminating the ancient ruins.