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.

In a separate development in Kyiv, a court has ordered 60 days' pretrial detention for Zelensky's former right-hand man, Andriy Yermak, over a corruption scandal.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Maybe he can spend retirement time with Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, who also resigned last month under a scandal cloud, but who managed to squeak past the five-year-minimum necessary to collect.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

When the Mission Division scandal burst into public view, department officials publicly called it an isolated problem of rogue gang officers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

VW also faces a separate aggravated fraud case over the scandal in Paris, with a date for the trial to be set in December.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

It had been something of a scandal, for the new Queen was the same age as Prince Con, the King’s son from his first marriage.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo

Vocabulary lists containing scandal

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Simply Scandalous!

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!