Synonyms of scathing

scathing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 

as in satiric

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• satiric
• sarcastic
• barbed
• acidic
• acid
• biting
• caustic
• sardonic
• acerbic
• pungent
• corrosive
• acrid
• ironic
• mordant
• cynical
• snarky
• sharp
• cutting
• harsh
• tart
• acidulous
• scalding
• concise
• blunt
• trenchant
• incisive
• smart-alecky
• poignant
• smart-aleck
• wry
• smart-mouthed
• sour
• acerb
• brisk
• flippant
• severe
• spiky
• dry
• vitriolic
• cross
• pithy
• curt
• terse
• succinct
• facetious
• gruff
• stringent
• keen
• bitter
• abrupt
• tongue-in-cheek
• acrimonious
• sharp-tongued
• brusque
• resentful
• backhanded
• snippy
• sourish
• crisp
• insincere
• rough
• tartish
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• merry
• gentle
• droll
• bland
• waggish
• diplomatic
• polite
• sportive
• smooth
• gracious
• good-natured
• urbane
• cordial
• hospitable
• good-humored
• genial
• affable
• suave
• sociable

scathing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scathe

as in attacking

to criticize harshly and usually publicly

newspaper cartoonists scathed the lecherous governor with a series of cruel caricatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attacking
• slamming
• scolding
• excoriating
• criticizing
• insulting
• blasting
• abusing
• savaging
• assailing
• lambasting
• castigating
• jumping (on)
• bashing
• cursing
• tying into
• trashing
• vituperating
• harassing
• belaboring
• sailing into
• berating
• disparaging
• reviling
• reprimanding
• potshotting
• haranguing
• harrying
• belittling
• blaspheming
• beating up on
• affronting
• chiding
• execrating
• lighting into
• whipping
• slandering
• slurring
• fulminating
• chastising
• vilifying
• imprecating
• profaning
• libeling
• rebuking
• traducing
• bad-mouthing
• lashing (out)
• aspersing
• lacing (into)
• blackguarding
• putting down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praising
• commending
• complimenting
• hailing
• lauding
• acclaiming

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scathing contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scathing are acrid, caustic, and mordant. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

When might acrid be a better fit than scathing?

The synonyms acrid and scathing are sometimes interchangeable, but acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When is it sensible to use caustic instead of scathing?

In some situations, the words caustic and scathing are roughly equivalent. However, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

Where would mordant be a reasonable alternative to scathing?

The words mordant and scathing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scathing

Adjective

Fired 60 Minutes veteran Scott Pelley hasn’t quoted poet John Masefield in any of his scathing statements since embattled CBS News chief Bari Weiss and new newsmagazine EP Nick Bilton canned him for rejecting their regime earlier this week. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 June 2026

Pelley’s scathing remarks immediately leaked to outside news outlets and ignited a crisis inside CBS. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

Verb

Victoria's son, Brooklyn, called out the pop star and David Beckham in a series of scathing Instagram stories. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

From in-depth local news pieces that got to the heart of our communities’ needs to scathing investigative works holding public officials accountable, the Boston Herald’s coverage sought to encapsulate the most important stories for our readership each and every day. —Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025