scathing rebuke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scathing rebuke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harsh or severe criticism directed at someone or something. Example: "The politician received a scathing rebuke from the media after his controversial remarks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

What if Ms. Merkin had written a scathing rebuke of her brother?

The New York Times

Four months later, investigators published a scathing rebuke, saying residents' constitutional rights had been violated, and threatened legal action if Texas did not resolve the problems.

The New York Times

In a 1980 performance video, "Free, White and 21," Ms. Pindell wore whiteface to deliver a scathing rebuke of art-world racism.

The New York Times - Arts

Take, as just one, the ditching in 2006 of MasterCard, FIFA's long-term credit-card partner, for Visa a decision which drew a scathing rebuke from a New York judge.

The Economist

But much of the frustration of two years ago has cooled, and the vote on Tuesday, overshadowed by a contest for governor and make-or-break Congressional races, seemed more an act of quiet rebellion than a scathing rebuke.

The New York Times

Justice Ginsburg's wee-hours dissent drew on the district court's ruling to issue a scathing rebuke to the Fifth Circuit and, by implication, to the six justices who refused to lift the Fifth Circuit's stay.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Prompted by scathing rebukes at a Senate hearing on Monday, Air Force Secretary James G. Roche today vowed to "look deeper" into the actions of top officials at the Air Force Academy and issued criteria by which they could be punished for failing to address the difficulties women cadets faced in reporting sexual assaults.

The New York Times

The axiom that the customer is always right never seemed to have been aired at Dobell's, and the staff of impassive buffs had a nice line in withering stares or scathing rebukes for daft requests or uninformed purchases – or for any luckless soul who stumbled on to the premises unaware that it was a specialist record shop, and asked for something in the charts.

The Guardian - Music

Ten years ago, the GAO issued a scathing report rebuking NIH for failing to include women in research projects.

Science Magazine

When Vice-President Biden publicly mocked Roberts about his gaffe at a ceremony shortly after the Inauguration, Obama shot him a scathing look of rebuke.

The New Yorker

A scathing UN report has sharply rebuked Mexico for its widespread problem with torture, which it said implicates all levels of the security apparatus in the context of the government's efforts to combat crime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scathing rebuke" to express strong disapproval or criticism, particularly in formal writing or when describing a public response to a perceived wrongdoing. Be mindful of the context and ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "scathing rebuke" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its formal tone can seem out of place. Opt for simpler, more direct language unless you aim for a deliberately exaggerated effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scathing rebuke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing strong disapproval or censure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scathing rebuke" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote strong disapproval or criticism. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, expressing severe censure. While generally neutral in register, its intensity suggests caution in informal settings. Alternatives such as "harsh criticism" or "fierce condemnation" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh criticism

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the critique.

forceful condemnation

Emphasizes the strength and directness of the disapproval.

fierce condemnation

Emphasizes the intensity and vehemence of the disapproval.

severe denunciation

Suggests a public and formal condemnation.

pointed criticism

Emphasizes that criticism is clear, direct, and meant to cause the target to feel the impact.

strong reprimand

Focuses on an official or authoritative expression of disapproval.

bitter censure

Implies a resentful and sharp disapproval.

damning indictment

Implies a serious and conclusive condemnation, as in a legal setting.

vehement objection

Focuses on a forceful and passionate expression of disagreement.

acidic assessment

Suggests a particularly sharp and unpleasant evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "scathing rebuke" in a sentence?

You can use "scathing rebuke" to describe a strong and critical response. For example, "The company received a "scathing rebuke" from regulators after the scandal."

What are some alternatives to "scathing rebuke"?

Alternatives include "harsh criticism", "strong reprimand", or "fierce condemnation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "scathing rebuke" and "mild criticism"?

"Scathing rebuke" implies a strong and severe form of disapproval, while "mild criticism" suggests a gentle and less intense form of critique. The former is used for serious offenses, whereas the latter is for minor issues.

Is "scathing rebuke" formal or informal?

"Scathing rebuke" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for news reports, academic papers, or official statements. In informal contexts, simpler language is usually preferred.