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.
The backlash from Trump’s political orbit has been swift and scathing. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025 President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, after the central bank again voted to leave interest rates unchanged. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025 Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro's riveting novel (which was adapted into a movie in 2010) is part mystery, part love story, and part scathing critique of how humans treat the vulnerable and different in a world where people are disposable...and even replicable. Robert English, EW.com, 30 July 2025 But his departure comes after withering criticism from lawmakers, much of it centered on actions taken by his predecessor who retired in February 2024, just as a scathing report by the state's watchdog was coming out. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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 7 Aug. 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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