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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.

The Ashley Madison scandal was embarrassing but not illegal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Leaning against a wall near a news-stand in central Rome, Tommaso Silvestri, 65, scans the morning's front pages, their headlines swinging between "apocalypse," "scandal" and "disaster" after Italy's latest footballing collapse.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The pilot episode, “The First Book of Taylor,” explores the fallout of the swinging scandal and ends with Paul’s 2023 arrest.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Ebel and Diestel were provincial clergymen, scarcely known outside their parishes until, as Mr. Clark says, scandal tightened around them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

One Saturday, after the Mother Paula’s scandal had died down, Roy went to watch Beatrice and her friends play a soccer game.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.