scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
Synonyms of scathing
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly adverb

Synonyms of scathing

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caustic, mordant, acrid, scathing mean stingingly incisive.

caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

Examples of scathing in a Sentence

a scathing review of the book a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Suno was on the receiving end of an especially scathing post from the producer Kenneth Blume, or Kenny Beats, in recent days, as well. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 The taxpayers’ review of county financial practices follows a similar – and more scathing – analysis of San Diego city spending the organization released in April. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026 Harper's visit, David's milestone moment and Brooklyn's DoorDash ad come months after the oldest Beckham child issued a scathing attack on his family via social media. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 In a scathing report released earlier this month, state investigators faulted the camp for inadequate advance emergency planning, storm preparation, evacuations and incident management. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1865

Rhymes for scathing

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Browse Nearby Words

scatheless
scathing
scatole
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Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scathing

adjective
scath·​ing
ˈskā-t͟hiŋ
: painfully harsh
a scathing look
scathingly
-t͟hiŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scathing

Nglish: Translation of scathing for Spanish Speakers

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