Synonyms of scathing

scathing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 

as in satirical

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

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

The comedy series is both a loving tribute to Hollywood and a scathing roast of it. —Cat Cardenas, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025

The Newsroom alumna said she was drawn to the show for its scathing critique on the ultra wealthy. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a question regarding Elon Musk's recent scathing remarks about President Donald Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a scathing dissent joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, and joined in part by Barrett. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025