scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
Synonyms of scathing
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly adverb

Synonyms of scathing

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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.
In the face of this kind of criticism, some officials become just as scathing in response. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Just a scathing review from someone who is around the team all the time. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In a scathing letter to the Fulton County Commission, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens blasted the county’s plan to spend more than a billion dollars on jail renovations instead of supporting his decades-long tax extension proposal. — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 Still, Fauci faced scathing criticism from Republicans during the hearing. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1865

Rhymes for scathing

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Browse Nearby Words

scatheless
scathing
scatole
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Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scathing

adjective
scath·​ing
ˈskā-t͟hiŋ
: painfully harsh
a scathing look
scathingly
-t͟hiŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scathing

Nglish: Translation of scathing for Spanish Speakers

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