scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly adverb
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
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.
One of those fans is a TikTok user named Meg, whose scathing review of Sombr’s show at the The Anthem in Washington, DC has lit up the comment section and prompted a response from the singer. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 Other managers, however, are scathing about Kinahan, accusing him of using illicit wealth to poach fighters. Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Bruce Feldman of The Athletic made an appearance and shared a scathing report about Belichick and the North Carolina staff. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 Jimmy Kimmel posted an infographic on Instagram containing dozens of scathing nicknames that protesters can call the president on their signs. Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1794

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

scathing

adjective
scath·​ing
ˈskā-t͟hiŋ
: painfully harsh
a scathing look
scathingly
-t͟hiŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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