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.

How do you know a reality TV scandal has crossed over into the mainstream?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The Malaysian financier recently submitted a pardon request, some 10 years after he disappeared amid a $4.5 billion scandal.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

NS&I has said that the error that led to the scandal has been rectified, and a more robust process for bereavement claims was brought in in January.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

The then Immigration Minister, Seema Malhotra, described what the BBC had found as a "national scandal" and the then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper later said it was a "disgrace".

From BBC • May 18, 2026

It would prevent any scandal about a last-minute quarrel with the Queen.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

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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