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

Like many public education advocates, Bruno had hoped a scathing report from the state auditor general would have prompted the Legislature to add accountability measures to the voucher program. —Jeffrey S. Solochek, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026

In a scathing order this month, a federal judge in New York found that the detention, arrest and termination of deferred action of a 24-year-old SIJS recipient from Honduras were unlawful. —Daniella Silva, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026

Upon its release in the summer of 2025, War of the Worlds initially registered a rare zero percent on Rotten Tomatoes and earned a scathing review from Rolling Stone. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026

Despite scathing reviews, the Ryan Murphy series has been renewed for a second season. —Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 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