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GRE vocabulary

scathing

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore S words

severely critical in a harsh, withering way

Word origin: From Old Norse skatha, to harm.

In a sentence

Scathing in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing scathing in a sentence.

The critic's scathing review ended the show's run.

The critic's scathing review questioned not only the production but the very judgment of those who funded it.

Synonyms
Antonyms
complimentarypraising
Usage & nuance

Using “scathing” well

Scathing means severely critical in a harsh, withering way, the kind of criticism that wounds. It applies to remarks, reviews, and attacks rather than to people themselves.

Common questions

Questions about “scathing

Scathing (adjective) means severely critical in a harsh, withering way
Here is scathing used in an example sentence: "The critic's scathing review ended the show's run." Another example: "The critic's scathing review questioned not only the production but the very judgment of those who funded it."
Common synonyms for scathing include caustic, withering, scornful.
Antonyms of scathing include complimentary, praising.
Clusters with caustic, withering, and scornful in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms complimentary and praising mark the opposite, approving pole.
Yes. Scathing is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

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