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 reality series quickly became a staple of early 2000s pop culture, with its high-stakes drama, scathing commentary and intense makeovers, according to USA TODAY. —Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 17 Feb. 2026

Back in November, Olivia Dean delivered a scathing criticism of Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and AEG over resale ticket prices. —Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026

Australian women’s tennis player Destanee Aiava announced Saturday that the 2026 season will be her last in a scathing statement about the sport posted on her social media. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026

The reality series quickly became a staple of aughties pop culture with its high-stakes drama, scathing commentary, and intense makeovers. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 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