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

Postmaster General David Steiner responded to a scathing attack from Hawley, a Missouri Republican, who accused his office of poor performance in Kansas and Missouri. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

The accusations against Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire and Louis Gérald Gilles were made public in October 2024 by an anti-corruption agency in a scathing report. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

In a scathing report released earlier this month, state investigators faulted the camp for inadequate advance emergency planning, storm preparation, evacuations and incident management. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Suno was on the receiving end of an especially scathing post from the producer Kenneth Blume, or Kenny Beats, in recent days, as well. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 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