scathing

1 of 2

adjective

scath·​ing ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ How to pronounce scathing (audio)
Synonyms of scathing
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly adverb

scathing

2 of 2

present participle of scathe entry 2

Synonyms of scathing

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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

Adjective 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.
Adjective
The settlement comes after a scathing 2024 DOJ report said the Lexington Police Department routinely violated citizens' civil rights in the rural, poor, majority-Black city located about 65 miles (100 kilometers) north of the state's capital. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Read on for what led up to Brand’s trial, from the scathing 2023 joint investigation by the Times of London and Channel 4, to the allegations against the ex comedian. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Her comments come after Gillis’ monologue also drew the ire of Dan Levy, who posted a scathing reaction to Gillis’ jokes on Sunday night. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Reaction to the state’s failure to execute Pike – who was sentenced to death for the January 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer – was swift and scathing. — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of scathe entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1865

Rhymes for scathing

See All Rhymes for scathing

Browse Nearby Words

scatheless
scathing
scatole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scathing

adjective
scath·​ing
ˈskā-t͟hiŋ
: painfully harsh
a scathing look
scathingly
-t͟hiŋ-lē
adverb
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