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scathing
adjective
scath·ing
ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly
adverb
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for scathing
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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1794, in the meaning defined above
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
adverb
-t͟hiŋ-lē
More from Merriam-Webster on scathing
Nglish: Translation of scathing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scathing for Arabic Speakers
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