SCATHING Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'scathing' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scathing are acrid , caustic , and mordant . While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity. // a scathing satire

Q: When might 'acrid' be a better fit than 'scathing'?

The synonyms acrid and scathing are sometimes interchangeable, but acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence. // acrid invective

Q: When is it sensible to use 'caustic' instead of 'scathing'?

In some situations, the words caustic and scathing are roughly equivalent. However, caustic suggests a biting wit. // caustic comments

Q: Where would 'mordant' be a reasonable alternative to 'scathing'?

The words mordant and scathing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness. // mordant reviews of the play

scathing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ

Definition of scathing next

as in satirical

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scathing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scathe

as in attacking

to criticize harshly and usually publicly newspaper cartoonists scathed the lecherous governor with a series of cruel caricatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective scathing contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scathing are acrid, caustic, and mordant. While all these words mean "stingingly incisive," scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity.

a scathing satire

When might acrid be a better fit than scathing?

The synonyms acrid and scathing are sometimes interchangeable, but acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence.

acrid invective

When is it sensible to use caustic instead of scathing?

In some situations, the words caustic and scathing are roughly equivalent. However, caustic suggests a biting wit.

caustic comments

Where would mordant be a reasonable alternative to scathing?

The words mordant and scathing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness.

mordant reviews of the play

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of scathing

Adjective

In 2021, City Auditor Andy Hanau issued a scathing report raising questions about San Diego’s handling of the 101 Ash St. office tower, the bankrupt indoor skydiving center, an aging South Bay motel, a Kearny Mesa maintenance yard and other properties. —

Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for scathing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scathing

Verb

But future opponents will surely seek to incorporate elements of the defensive blueprint which helped Everton and Fulham derail Chelsea’s attacking momentum.

— Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
And all up and down the 800-mile front line in western Russia and northern, eastern and southern Ukraine, Russian troops are attacking.

— David Axe, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024