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.

She spent more than a year in pretrial detention while under investigation for alleged money laundering linked to the Odebrecht corruption scandal.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Last week, police chiefs warned the criminal investigation into the Post Office scandal could be delayed by five years unless they received millions of pounds in extra funding.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Mezrich’s “Checkmate” focuses on the 2022 Sinquefeld Cup scandal, where world champion Magnus Carlson accused Hans Niemann of cheating in his upset.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

At its heart, this is neither just a news story, nor just a major political scandal, but a saga of a relationship between a husband and wife that fell apart.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

“When we’ve just begun our business here. And you bring such disgrace, such scandal to our name!”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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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