as in satirical
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
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Recent Examples of scathing
Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Tatum O’Neal shared her scathing reaction to being cut out of her late father Ryan O'Neal's will.
—Ashley Hume, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
Between the lines: A scathing financial audit released yesterday uncovered millions of dollars in hospital contracts that were never approved by the board of directors.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
State of play: Minnesota Republicans are already trying to sink the project, which has come under more scrutiny following delays and cost overruns on the Green Line, as well as a scathing auditor's report about the Met Council's management of the work.
—Nick Halter, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scathing
Adjective
In a State of the State address last month that ended with a scathing assessment of Trump’s actions, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, who is Jewish, implored lawmakers to remember what gave rise to Nazism in Germany nearly a century ago.
—Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Tatum O’Neal shared her scathing reaction to being cut out of her late father Ryan O'Neal's will.
—Ashley Hume, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
Between the lines: A scathing financial audit released yesterday uncovered millions of dollars in hospital contracts that were never approved by the board of directors.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
State of play: Minnesota Republicans are already trying to sink the project, which has come under more scrutiny following delays and cost overruns on the Green Line, as well as a scathing auditor's report about the Met Council's management of the work.
—Nick Halter, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scathing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scathing
Verb
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The two attacking players could only be registered once a unique loophole opened up via long-term injuries to center backs Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo was exploited by the Catalans.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
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But future opponents will surely seek to incorporate elements of the defensive blueprint which helped Everton and Fulham derail Chelsea’s attacking momentum.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Misery, a horror movie with a satiric streak, launched Bates’s film stardom.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
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The real star of the show, though, is not the satiric script or the campy performances, but rather how each character brings their own unique approach to dressing for the corporate ladder.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Hundreds of drones being used as part of a Saturday night aerial light show in Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando appeared to be flying into position before several started falling from the sky before slamming to the ground, according to videos posted online.—
Louis Casiano,
Fox News,
23 Dec. 2024
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His endorsement of the AfD came alongside a video of a far-right German commentator slamming the leading candidate to become Germany’s next chancellor, the conservative Friedrich Merz.—
Laura Kelly,
The Hill,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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While Lucie is warm, vivacious, and a ray of light that shines off the page, Aiden is a grumpy, reluctant romantic who hides behind sarcastic quips.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
27 Feb. 2025
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For instance, a sarcastic comment brushed off as a joke, or unspoken expectations that fuel resentment.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There were no trees nearby, just rows and rows of tan and olive-green tents erected on cement and surrounded by airport hangars, porta-potties, barbed wire, and guard towers.—
Edwidge Danticat,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
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Additionally, the walls were covered in barbed wire, and the balcony had a large privacy wall.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scathing. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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