scathing
adjective
scath·ing
ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly
adverb
Synonyms of scathing
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
From blue bags to blue carts Mayor Daley defended the Blue Bag program in the wake of the scathing reports.
—
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Murphy and Hicks are part of a small but growing list of comedians who have mocked their peers onstage using scathing impressions.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
In a scathing internal memo, Sharyn Alfonsi, the longtime 60 Minutes correspondent who reported the segment, objected to the decision.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
These are the most scathing book reviews of 2025.
—Literary Hub, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scathing
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.
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Murphy and Hicks are part of a small but growing list of comedians who have mocked their peers onstage using scathing impressions.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
In a scathing internal memo, Sharyn Alfonsi, the longtime 60 Minutes correspondent who reported the segment, objected to the decision.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025
These are the most scathing book reviews of 2025.
—Literary Hub, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scathing
Cite this Entry
“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share