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scathing
adjective
scath·ing
ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly
adverb
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for scathing
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
Even the European Central Bank’s Mario Draghi highlighted what the region is losing out on in a scathing report last month.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune Europe, 21 Oct. 2024
Miller-Lerman disagreed in a scathing retort, saying that to find the laws unconstitutional could disenfranchise 59,000 Nebraska residents who have been eligible to vote since the 2005 law passed and that such a finding would consolidate power in the executive branch.
—L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024
Yet the film, which NBC News saw ahead of its theatrical release, paints an often scathing portrait.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024
Sunlight streamed into the breakfast room, where Robert and his wife Catriona served us an exceptional full Scottish breakfast that changed my husband’s previously scathing opinion on haggis.
—Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scathing
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scathing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1794, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near scathing
Cite this Entry
“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
scathing
adjective
scath·ing
ˈskā-t͟hiŋ
: painfully harsh
a scathing look
scathingly
adverb
-t͟hiŋ-lē
More from Merriam-Webster on scathing
Nglish: Translation of scathing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scathing for Arabic Speakers
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