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.
Though Weisberger and Streep have repeatedly — including in EW's 2021 oral history on the film — stressed that the actress' ruthless character was not a direct caricature of Wintour, many in the fashion world interpreted the book as a scathing take on the esteemed figure. Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025 The White House issued a scathing statement after CNN, The New York Times and other media outlets reported that an early assessment by U.S. intelligence said military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend failed to destroy key elements of Iran's nuclear program. Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates delivered a scathing rebuke of the Trump administration yesterday while urging the district officials to prioritize the union’s new $1.5 billion four-year contract and other investments in public education. Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 The Humane Society of Southeast Texas in Beaumont posted a scathing Facebook caption alongside surveillance screengrabs of two different people dumping kittens on the doorstep of the shelter while it was closed. Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 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 30 Jun. 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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