scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 

: bitterly severe

a scathing condemnation

scathingly adverb

Synonyms

• satirical
• satiric
• sarcastic
• barbed

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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

Discontent is brimming with witticisms and scathing observations about our modern-day malaise. —Julia Hass, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025

Since then, the White House has released several scathing statements about O'Donnell and the current hosts of The View. —Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Acting with uncharacteristic swiftness, the federal government issued a scathing criminal complaint against Mizuhara just three weeks later — on April 11 — that supported Ohtani’s narrative. —David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025

Following the finalization of their divorce earlier this week, Hall took to Instagram with a scathing message aimed at the HGTV star. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scathing

• bathing
• lathing
• sunbathing

Kids Definition

scathing

adjective

scath·​ing

ˈskā-t͟hiŋ

: painfully harsh

a scathing look

scathingly

-t͟hiŋ-lē

adverb