scathing
adjective
scath·ing
ˈskā-ṯẖiŋ 
: bitterly severe
a scathing condemnation
scathingly
adverb
Synonyms of scathing
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
Smith’s book doesn’t take on the more scathing critiques of contemporary art, such as Scruton’s.
—
Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Cody Rhodes destroys ‘outside forces’ in scathing promo Cody Rhodes’ promos in the midst of Pat McAfee’s insertion into his WrestleMania feud with Randy Orton blurred the line on what was real and what was kayfabe.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Loiseau was cited as one of the main inspirations for the character of Auguste Gusteau in Ratatouille, the chef who dies of a broken heart after a scathing review by food critic Anton Ego leads to the loss of one of his stars.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
After her lawsuit was filed in district court, the judge ordered the government to facilitate Estrada Juarez’s return to the US, lambasting its legal arguments justifying her deportation in a scathing order.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scathing
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Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Cody Rhodes destroys ‘outside forces’ in scathing promo Cody Rhodes’ promos in the midst of Pat McAfee’s insertion into his WrestleMania feud with Randy Orton blurred the line on what was real and what was kayfabe.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Loiseau was cited as one of the main inspirations for the character of Auguste Gusteau in Ratatouille, the chef who dies of a broken heart after a scathing review by food critic Anton Ego leads to the loss of one of his stars.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
After her lawsuit was filed in district court, the judge ordered the government to facilitate Estrada Juarez’s return to the US, lambasting its legal arguments justifying her deportation in a scathing order.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scathing
Cite this Entry
“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scathing. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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