Synonyms of scathing

scathing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 

as in satiric

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• satiric
• sarcastic
• barbed
• acidic
• acid
• biting
• caustic
• sardonic
• acerbic
• pungent
• corrosive
• acrid
• ironic
• mordant
• cynical
• snarky
• sharp
• cutting
• harsh
• tart
• acidulous
• scalding
• concise
• blunt
• trenchant
• incisive
• smart-alecky
• poignant
• smart-aleck
• wry
• smart-mouthed
• sour
• acerb
• brisk
• flippant
• severe
• spiky
• dry
• vitriolic
• cross
• pithy
• curt
• terse
• succinct
• facetious
• gruff
• stringent
• keen
• bitter
• abrupt
• tongue-in-cheek
• acrimonious
• sharp-tongued
• brusque
• resentful
• backhanded
• snippy
• sourish
• crisp
• insincere
• rough
• tartish
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• merry
• gentle
• droll
• bland
• waggish
• diplomatic
• polite
• sportive
• smooth
• gracious
• good-natured
• urbane
• cordial
• hospitable
• good-humored
• genial
• affable
• suave
• sociable

scathing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scathe

as in attacking

to criticize harshly and usually publicly

newspaper cartoonists scathed the lecherous governor with a series of cruel caricatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attacking
• slamming
• scolding
• excoriating
• criticizing
• insulting
• blasting
• abusing
• savaging
• assailing
• lambasting
• castigating
• jumping (on)
• bashing
• cursing
• tying into
• trashing
• vituperating
• harassing
• belaboring
• sailing into
• berating
• disparaging
• reviling
• reprimanding
• potshotting
• haranguing
• harrying
• belittling
• blaspheming
• beating up on
• affronting
• chiding
• execrating
• lighting into
• whipping
• slandering
• slurring
• fulminating
• chastising
• vilifying
• imprecating
• profaning
• libeling
• rebuking
• traducing
• bad-mouthing
• lashing (out)
• aspersing
• lacing (into)
• blackguarding
• putting down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praising
• commending
• complimenting
• hailing
• lauding
• acclaiming

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scathing contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scathing are acrid, caustic, and mordant. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

When might acrid be a better fit than scathing?

The synonyms acrid and scathing are sometimes interchangeable, but acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When is it sensible to use caustic instead of scathing?

In some situations, the words caustic and scathing are roughly equivalent. However, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

Where would mordant be a reasonable alternative to scathing?

The words mordant and scathing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scathing

Adjective

Naipaul’s scathing critique of radical left-wing politics may yet limit the audience for his ideas. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026

The source was referring to Emily Wilson, whose translation of the Odyssey was praised by Nolan, but who has since written a scathing review of his film. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Outsider art in every sense of the word, and laden with scathing political and social commentary, Purifoy’s installations morph and change in the elements. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026

With tight polls, and without any one candidate being able to boast about the president's endorsement, the three Republicans have tried to boost their candidacies by resorting to scathing personal attacks. — Emily Chang, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026