TRENCHANT

sharply perceptive

keen

penetrating
SYN - clear cut or distinct

having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
SYN - searching
"trenchant criticism"

characterized by or full of force and vigor
SYN - hard-hitting
ANT - unintelligent
"a trenchant argument"

clearly or sharply defined to the mind
"trenchant distinctions between right and wrong."

"He really had been shocked and amazed by the trenchant responses he got from his play - he had finally found a group of friends worth having."

"He was talking to a bunch of nimwits who would not understand the greatness of his trenchant speech."

"She had been extremely smart and put in only the most trenchant people in her cabinet."