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 scathing and procedurally unusual petition comes after a statewide task force in December found Colorado’s discovery process — the system through which prosecutors share evidence with defense attorneys in criminal cases — is in need of a complete overhaul. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026

Stitt appointed Shelley Zumwalt, who retired following a scathing audit. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 25 Feb. 2026

Often letters to the editor are scathing missives reflecting one’s political beliefs or unhappiness with a segment of society – the wealthy, the IRS, the insurance companies, law enforcement, etc. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026

And in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, officials sent a scathing letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after ICE without warning bought a massive warehouse in a residential area about a mile from a high school. —Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 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