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.

When it comes to reporting on scandal, there is often the question of timing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Foreign Affairs select committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry has invited Sir Olly to give evidence on Tuesday next week, the second time he will have been quizzed about his involvement in the Mandelson scandal.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

He served under Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, who was himself at the center of a notorious blackface scandal.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

If mere scandal could have destroyed the big Wall Street investment banks, they would have vanished long ago.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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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