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

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said the policy was designed to end the "national scandal where millions can't afford the most basic energy they need".

From BBC • 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

President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over a leaked tax-return scandal from six years ago was on the verge of an epic settlement.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

After nearly 17 years in London, he returned home to Philadelphia on May 5, 1775, in the wake of the scandal over the Hutchinson letters.

From "George Washington, Spymaster" by Thomas B. Allen

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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