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

Several construction firm owners, government officials and politicians have been accused of pocketing funds from the projects, but this is the first time a sitting lawmaker was arrested over the scandal.

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

The scandal wasn’t merely that hoax papers were published, but that they were indistinguishable from actual scholarship in those fields.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Across the country, suffrage opponents successfully—if unfairly—linked women’s rights with lax morals and sexual scandal.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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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