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.
Big Draco went on another scathing rant about America and took some more shots at Drizzy over the weekend. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2025 The two most conservative experts on our panel were scathing. Cory Turner, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 But the 27-page Weiss report is most notable for the scathing criticism of the president, who in his pardon, suggested the probe was politically motivated. Kristine Frazao, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025 Both the National Review and the National Interest have published scathing appraisals of Hegseth in the past few days. Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 14 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 28 Jan. 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
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