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

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s scathing rebuke of Vice President JD Vance has gone viral on social media. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy's scathing criticism of Zohran Mamdani is getting renewed attention in the wake of Mamdani's mayoral win in New York City. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews. —Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Healey’s radio appearance came just over 12 hours after Foley released a scathing statement on social media following Campbell’s own appearance on the same show the day before. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2025

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