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.

And in an ugly scandal, Fidelity’s trading desk had been caught receiving favors from brokers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

All that changed in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins Tuesday a year after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Livermore residents couldn’t escape news of the scandal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Sophia circles Astrid and waves the scandal sheet in the air.

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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