Definitions

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.

“Checkmate: Genius, Lies, Ambition, and the Biggest Scandal in Chess,” by Ben Mezrich, capitalizes on the game’s dramatic possibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Scandal once meant something: a lie exposed, a private matter made public, a career ended by dawn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

She is co-author of "UNACCEPTABLE: Privilege, Deceit and the Making of the College Admissions Scandal," published by Penguin Portfolio in 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

"I took all this little gross stuff, and part of that was giving up caffeine," said the star, who is also known for BBC historical drama Wolf Hall and A Very British Scandal.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

Tea, Politics, and Scandal, the ingredients of an Afghan Sunday at the flea market.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

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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