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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of scathing

Adjective

The state Supreme Court disbarred a Miami lawyer after a scathing 123-page referee’s report that accused the attorney of misappropriating client funds and, possibly, money laundering to cover theft. —

David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025 Those negotiations followed the March 2023 publication of a scathing 90-page DOJ investigation that found LMPD engaged in a number of unconstitutional practices, including racial discrimination against Black people and violating the rights of people protesting police actions. —

Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 31 Dec. 2024 And the spotlight is getting particularly bright for Rohit with one Australian tabloid, seemingly striving to shift away from resembling a serious newspaper in an apparent attempt to rebrand as a satirical publication, particularly scathing with its mockery. —

Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Never has a political impression been so scathing with such little exaggeration. —

Vulture Staff, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 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