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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
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
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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 28 Jan. 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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