scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 

: bitterly severe

a scathing condemnation

scathingly adverb

Synonyms of scathing

• satiric
• sarcastic
• barbed
• acidic

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

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

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt based his campaign in large part on a scathing criticism of Bass’ handling of the Palisades fire and his own frustration after his Pacific Palisades house was destroyed. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Missouri is heading toward a financial cliff, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced in a scathing audit that could open the door for major cuts to the state’s operating budget. —Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

After Love Story premiered, Hannah, who was portrayed by Dree Hemingway, penned a scathing essay for The New York Times in March, naming specific aspects of the show that were false. —Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1865, 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