scathing (adj.)
- acerb
- acerbic
- acid
- acidic
- acidulent
- acidulous
- acrid
- acrimonious
- astringent
- biting
- bitter
- brutal
- burning
- caustic
- corrosive
- cutting
- damaging
- double-edged
- edged
- ferocious
- fierce
- harmful
- harsh
- incisive
- keen
- mordacious
- mordant
- nasty
- penetrating
- piercing
- poignant
- rigorous
- rough
- salty
- savage
- scorching
- searing
- severe
- sharp
- stabbing
- stern
- stinging
- strident
- stringent
- tart
- trenchant
- vehement
- violent
- virulent
- vitriolic
- withering