scandal

[skan-dl] / ˈskæn dl /

NOUN

public embarrassment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crime rumor wrongdoing

STRONG

aspersion calumny defamation depreciation detraction discredit disgrace dishonor disparagement disrepute dynamite gossip hearsay ignominy infamy mud obloquy opprobrium reproach scorcher shame sin slander tale talk turpitude

WEAK

backbiting backstabbing belittlement dirty linen eavesdropping idle rumor skeleton in closet

Antonyms

STRONGEST

good deed

STRONG

approval commendation compliment esteem exaltation flattery goodness honor morality praise respect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The 2010 competition would later be tainted by a corruption scandal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Speaking to reporters on the flight to Madrid on Saturday, the 70-year-old leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics said the scandal of abuse was "still an open wound" for the Church.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

In the aftermath of the scandal, voters were apparently drawn to Becerra’s long resume and calm, thoughtful demeanor.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

But let's set aside the contested claims of the 2024 protests and the shame of grooming gangs scandal, and take a look at the overall picture.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

The only thing I could read, besides the scandal sheets, were those abnormal psychology books.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

Vocabulary lists containing scandal

"Laws are not the only way to boost immunization”: an editorial from Nature

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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for September 11–September 17, 2021

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Simply Scandalous!

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