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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
Days after San Mateo County released a scathing report accusing Sheriff Christina Corpus of abuse of power and other wrongdoing, her acting assistant sheriff Matthew Fox resigned Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said.
—Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
The chief judge of the federal court in Grand Rapids denied the request in a scathing order.
—Rich Schapiro, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2024
The court sided with Chasing Horse, saying in its scathing order that prosecutors had abused the grand jury process.
—CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024
Wood wrote the majority opinion in the controversial decision to uphold Thurston’s rejection of the measure, while Baker wrote a scathing dissent.
—USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
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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 21 Nov. 2024.
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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