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 1974, Nixon, faced with impeachment for his part in the Watergate scandal, became the first president in U.S. history to resign.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

A month earlier, prosecutors filed charges against another Duterte loyalist, Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, over his alleged involvement in a massive corruption scandal over bogus flood control projects.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

But as moves to oust Adorni gathered momentum in Congress and the scandal increasingly overshadowed the government’s legislative agenda, Adorni’s resignation became inevitable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

When the act was passed, the Vietnam War was unwinding, and Richard Nixon’s presidency was collapsing in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

From Slate • Jun. 29, 2026

"Lady Camellia is not to have any newspapers or tattlers or scandal sheets brought to the apartments. Beauty pamphlets and beauty-scopes only."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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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