searching

[1] Collins Cobuild//

ADJ : usu ADJ n.

A searching question or look is intended to discover the truth about something.

• They asked her some searching questions on moral philosophy and logic.
• see also  soul-searching

[2] Based on WordNet 3.0// 

Adj.

1. searching - diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation; "a probing inquiry"; "a searching investigation of their past dealings"

• inquisitory, probing
• cf. inquiring - given to inquiry; "an inquiring mind"

2. searching - having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect; "searching insights"; "trenchant criticism"

• trenchant
• cf. intelligent - having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree; "is there intelligent life in the universe?"; "an intelligent question"

3. searching - exploring thoroughly

• cf. explorative, exploratory - serving in or intended for exploration or discovery; "an exploratory operation"; "exploratory reconnaissance"; "digging an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico"; "exploratory talks between diplomats"