scathing

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
: 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.
Janelle Monáe had some scathing words for Nelly following his performance at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Only that genteel veneer soon gives way to a more scathing national x-ray, satirizing post-Brexit malaise alongside broader issues of immigration and national identity. Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 The top Democrat on the committee, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), opened his questioning of Kennedy by entering a scathing letter that his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, sent to lawmakers urging them to reject the nomination. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 Following Caroline Kennedy's scathing letter against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. less than 24 hours before his first confirmation hearing to become the secretary of health, a Kennedy family insider tells PEOPLE that the hostility is deeply shocking considering how rarely Caroline speaks out about family. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scathing 

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near scathing

Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

scathing

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

More from Merriam-Webster on scathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!