Thesaurus results for SCATHING

scathing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ

Definition of scathing

as in satiric

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

Relevance

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

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.

Recent Examples of scathing

Adjective

Naipaul’s scathing critique of radical left-wing politics may yet limit the audience for his ideas. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 The source was referring to Emily Wilson, whose translation of the Odyssey was praised by Nolan, but who has since written a scathing review of his film. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

With tight polls, and without any one candidate being able to boast about the president's endorsement, the three Republicans have tried to boost their candidacies by resorting to scathing personal attacks. — Emily Chang, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 Victoria's son, Brooklyn, called out the pop star and David Beckham in a series of scathing Instagram stories. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scathing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scathing

Adjective

The satirical website The Onion also moved to take over Jones’ Infowars platforms and turn his bullhorn of conspiracy theories into parody sites.

— Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
The satirical website the Onion also moved to take over Jones’ Infowars platforms and turn his bullhorn of conspiracy theories into parody sites.

— Jim Vertuno, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of satiric

Verb

Piker then fired back at Scholten on social media, accusing her of seeking attention and attacking him over his opposition to Zionism.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
Binu Palal showed video of Shakur’s entourage attacking Davis’ nephew Orlando Anderson.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacking

Adjective

The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries.

— John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Verb

Rather than scolding parents about screens, society could do more to support families in ways that obviate the need for screen time.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Do not punish your dog by scolding or yelling at them, as this may make your dog's behavior worse out of fear or stress.

— Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of scolding

Adjective

That’s because acidic foods such as tomatoes and oranges may react with aluminum foil, causing a metallic taste or slight discoloration, but don’t worry.

— Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
If the pH gets too acidic, nitrogen uptake is greatly reduced, leading to a deficiency in the plant, even if there’s plenty of nitrogen in the potting soil.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of acidic

Verb

In a press conference after the hearing, officials sent their condolences to Thompson’s family, while excoriating those who glorified Mangione.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
While excoriating the loss of his visa, López Beltrán also painted a dystopian picture of present-day life north of the border.

— Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of excoriating

Browse Nearby Words

scathes

scathing

scatological

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scathing. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of scathing

adjective

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cogent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes