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

Perry noted that his theater sold a whopping $196 worth of tickets for the film during its single weekend (the film has done quite well nationally — the best showing in a decade for a documentary, despite scathing critic reviews). —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026

In another scathing ruling from Chicago, US District Court Judge April Perry – a Biden nominee – granted a temporary restraining order halting troop deployment into Illinois for two weeks in October. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

In the meantime, the two sides have traded scathing accusations of bad faith and even blackmail. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

The reality series quickly became a staple of aughties pop culture with its high-stakes drama, scathing commentary and intense makeovers. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Jan. 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