scathing

Definition of scathing

harshly or bitterly critical; vitriolic

Synonyms for scathing

• mordant
• blistering
• caustic

scathing in a Sentence

1. The review was scathing, criticizing every aspect of the product.

Why scathing Matters for GRE & SAT

"scathing" is a adjective that means "harshly or bitterly critical; vitriolic" closely related to words like "mordant", "blistering", "caustic". As a word starting with S, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "scathing" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "scathing" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "scathing" into long-term memory.

How to Remember scathing

One effective way to remember "scathing" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "mordant" and "blistering" and "caustic". When you encounter "scathing" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "harshly or bitterly critical; vitriolic".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "scathing" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

• sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
• sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
• salubrious — promoting health or well-being
• salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
• sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior
• sanction — Official permission or approval; a penalty for disobeying a law
• sanction — authorize; permit
• sanguine — cheerfully optimistic, particularly in a difficult situation
• sanguine — Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation
• satirical — using humor or irony to criticize or mock