scathing
Harshly condemning words
Scathing describes criticism or remarks that are harshly severe and withering: a scathing review, a scathing rebuke.
The word implies words sharp enough to wound—delivered with contempt or bitter disapproval.
Her scathing assessment of his work left him speechless.
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- acerbicSharp and biting
- mordantCuttingly critical in expression
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
venomous · acidic · corrosive · cutting · sharp · stinging · searing · withering
Lacking any compassion
- mercilessShowing no clemency
- relentlessContinuing without pause
- pitilessLacking any compassion
- unforgivingShowing no leniency
brutal · harsh · severe · unrelenting · savage · fierce · devastating · damning
Express sharp disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- excoriationHarsh criticism; skin abrasion
- lambastingHarshly criticizing someone
takedown · panning · roasting · flaying · broadside · diatribe · tirade · invective
caustic
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
vitriolic · venomous · acidic · corrosive · cutting · sharp · stinging · searing · withering · blistering
ruthless
Lacking any compassion
- mercilessShowing no clemency
- relentlessContinuing without pause
- pitilessLacking any compassion
unforgiving · brutal · harsh · severe · unrelenting · savage · fierce · devastating · damning · punishing
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- excoriationHarsh criticism; skin abrasion
lambasting · takedown · panning · roasting · flaying · broadside · diatribe · tirade · invective · philippic
lampoon
Harsh public mockery
caricature · send-up · skewering · pillory · burlesque · travesty · spoof · wit · irony · sarcasm
- harsh tonesharsh, sharp, biting, cutting, caustic
- harshbiting, bitter, brutal, caustic, cruel
- cold-heartedcallous, cold, cold-blooded, cold-hearted, cruel
- Critics & Reviewsreview, opinion, rating, critique, commentary
- feedbackcomment, comments, constructive, complaint, reviews
- satirelampoon, parody, parody account, political satire, spoof
scathingmild
Moderate in intensity
gentle · soft · temperate · measured · restrained
scathingpraising
Voicing admiration
complimentary · laudatory · flattering · admiring · approving
- scathing rebukeHarsh, severe criticism