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

In particular, Schlossberg offered scathing criticism of his anti-vaccine stances and decision to defund various medical research, as well as the harmful effects the actions can have on those receiving care similar to her own. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

After Tomb of the Dragon Emperor premiered to scathing reviews in 2008, Universal opted to reboot The Mummy nine years later with Tom Cruise in the lead role and Sofia Boutella as the undead antagonist. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025

State media has since published a barrage of scathing commentaries and editorials, while rampant social media discussion has disparaged Takaichi, Japan’s first woman prime minister. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s scathing rebuke of Vice President JD Vance has gone viral on social media. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

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