scathing rebuke
Brutal verbal condemnation
A scathing rebuke is a severe verbal criticism delivered with biting contempt.
Scathing implies withering harshness—words intended to burn—while rebuke adds the sense of formal disapproval from someone in authority.
The phrase typically describes public or official condemnation: The judge issued a scathing rebuke of the prosecutor's conduct.
It suggests criticism so sharp it's meant to shame.
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- criticismJudgment of faults
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- stern warningForceful cautionary statement
- tiradeExtended angry speech
sharp words · reprimand · tongue lashing · tongue-lashing · dressing down · dressing-down · read the riot act · blistering · withering · excoriation · raking over the coals · castigation · admonishment · scolding · taken to task · censure · denunciation · public shaming
scathing rebukehigh praise
Enthusiastic verbal approval
rave review · standing ovation · seal of approval · rapturous applause · gold star
scathing rebukewarm embrace
Affectionate encircling hold
morale boost · vote of confidence · pat on the back · reassurance · affirmation
scathing, scathe, scathed, unscathed, rebuke, rebuked, rebukes, rebuking