scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
Synonyms of scathingnext
: 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.
Fighting Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua went on a scathing rant against the playoff committee and ultimately the ACC immediately after the committee's decision. Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025 In a scathing Instagram post Thursday, the Australian musician, whose real name is Johanna Rose Hodge, posted a video featuring photos and clips of the former couple. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Dec. 2025 Halle Berry slams Gavin Newsom's presidential hopes in scathing speech. FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025 On Wednesday, a dozen former FDA leaders issued a scathing denunciation of the new assertions. Anne Thompson, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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