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.

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

Philippine police arrested a lawmaker on Monday over a multi-billion dollar graft scandal, making him the highest-ranking government official held in the case that caused mass protests in the country.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

In fact, he’s constantly mired in scandal, shame and disgrace, and has been his entire life.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

It's A Sin, for example, saw a huge increase in HIV testing rates, Mr Bates vs The Post Office brought the nation's attention to the Horizon IT scandal.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Only weeks earlier, he’d sent a “confidential” memo to White and other special agents, stating, “This Bureau cannot afford to have a public scandal visited upon it.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

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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