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
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
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
Literary Hub, 20 Dec. 2025
Fighting Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua went on a scathing rant against the playoff committee and ultimately the ACC immediately after the committee's decision.
—Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
The appeals court decision was, at times, scathing toward the state's arguments in the case.
—Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scathing
Adjective
These are the most scathing book reviews of 2025.
—Verb
Russian reaction Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that Moscow’s leadership was waiting to see the specifics of any deal to supply Tomahawks, but was scathing about the prospect.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for scathing
Adjective
-
But it’s set apart from the rest of her work by a long, satirical section sending up gothic fiction and its fans.—
-
But the tone is often more satiric than somber, Park highlighting Man-su’s foibles and insecurities.—
Verb
-
Obstructing, impeding, or attacking federal law enforcement is a federal crime.—
-
What now is the difference between the United States attacking Venezuela in order to install new leadership and Russia invading Ukraine to effect annexation and leadership change?—
Adjective
-
The Marriage Story star first appeared as a child in an uncredited role in the Scorsese film — Ladd's first taste of major acclaim as the sarcastic waitress Flo.—
-
The kicking game was so bad that Freeman sounded like Brian Kelly at his sarcastic best when asked about Noah Burnette, Erik Schmidt and Marcello Diomede combining to miss two extra points and one field goal.—
Verb
-
Bystander video footage that has since gone viral captured a masked federal agent fire multiple shots into Good's vehicle, which then drove up the street before slamming into the back of another car.—
-
Convenience store owners are slamming the proposal as restrictive and unnecessary.—
Adjective
-
Half of my drawing was in black and white, showing a woman walking away from barbed wire and a prison tower.—
-
Who knew barbed wire could be so interesting?—
Verb
-
But more recently, groups of citizens have grown tired of scolding and have begun reaching for the birch rod.—
-
But acknowledging, or god forbid, scolding the internet for laughing at Kirk would only give it all more power.—
Adjective
-
Possible Worsening of Acid Reflux Symptoms Many juices, such as orange, lemon, and pineapple, are highly acidic and can worsen symptoms in people with acid reflux.—
-
While both are safe and effective for preserving, citric acid can contribute a sharper, more acidic note, while salt tends to round out tomato flavor.—
Verb
-
The beat resumed, the volume its usual excoriating self, Shields’ guitar reprogrammed to give a hint of body-moving swing.—
-
Prescott’s excoriating memo was the catalyst for the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness.—
Cite this Entry
“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scathing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share