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

The day after the interview was published, a scathing editorial by Hannah appeared in the New York Times, calling her portrayal in Love Story inaccurate. —Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026

Virgil van Dijk’s assessment was scathing. —Andy Jones, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

The scathing and procedurally unusual petition comes after a statewide task force in December found Colorado’s discovery process — the system through which prosecutors share evidence with defense attorneys in criminal cases — is in need of a complete overhaul. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026

Stitt appointed Shelley Zumwalt, who retired following a scathing audit. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 25 Feb. 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