scathing

adjective

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

a scathing review of the book a scathing rebuttal of the latest theory concerning the assassination
Recent Examples on the Web Don Cheadle nearly bursts through the screen in the role of Petey; as the d.j. gives scathing yet exuberant voice to the state of injustice, historical tragedies loom, and Lemmons dramatizes grief and rage with noble passion. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024 This is a scathing decision by Judge Scott McAfee basically really ripping her for bad judgment. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 The move coincided with a scathing speech by Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) calling for new elections in Israel. Frances vinall, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 But on Thursday, in a formal address on the Senate floor, Schumer delivered a scathing speech, calling for a new election in Israel. Mariam Khan, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2024 But the company has been plagued by problems since its takeover, not least a scathing report from state watchdog Ofsted in Islington in 2021. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 20 Feb. 2024 By Oren Lieberman | CNN The Navy demoted Rep. Ronny Jackson in 2022 after a scathing report from the Defense Department watchdog found the former White House physician drank on the job, routinely screamed at subordinates and acted inappropriately. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Everyone knows San Francisco barely builds homes, to the extent that the California Department of Housing and Community Development depicted the city as ground zero of the state’s housing crisis in a scathing report. Byalena Botros, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Face beat, waves flowing, and dressed to kill, Vestal delivered the scathing EpiPen diss heard ’round the world. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scathing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scathing was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near scathing

Cite this Entry

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scathing

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

More from Merriam-Webster on scathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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