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scathing

adjective

Simple Definition of scathing

  • : very harsh or severe

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of scathing

  1. :  bitterly severe <a scathing condemnation>

scathingly

adverb

See scathing defined for English-language learners

See scathing defined for kids



Examples of scathing in a sentence

  1. a scathing review of the book

  2. <a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination>



1794

First Known Use of scathing

1794

scathing Synonyms

Synonyms
acerb, acerbic, acid

Synonym Discussion of scathing

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>.

Learn More about scathing

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scathing Spanish Central: Translation of scathing Nglish: Translation of scathing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scathing for Arabic speakers

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Examples: scathing in a sentence
Tip: Synonym guide