scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
Synonyms of scathingnext
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly adverb
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
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.
The second bill, which drew a scathing press release from the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association, brought back the mandatory 287(g) application. Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026 But a scathing House Ethics Committee report preceded the expulsion vote for Santos. ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Democrats in the two chambers stood united against Senate Bill 254, and a vocal minority of Republicans offered some of the most scathing critiques of the in-state tuition reversal. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026 But a scathing audit last year by the state auditor found that severe staffing shortages have meant the majority of the agency’s workplace investigations are conducted by letter rather than in person —an approach that relies on employers largely policing themselves. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

scathing

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

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