scandals

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.

The country ranked 104th out of 182 in Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index after decades of bribery and influence-peddling scandals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

The legislation, Assembly Bill 1821, is authored by Democratic Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, whose district includes Norwalk, Downey and Bell, where legendary scandals are Example 1 of why public records matter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

Stefanovic had survived multiple scandals to helm the Today show for the better part of two decades.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The 5th Circuit’s ruling neuters a law that Congress enacted in 2020 to impose nationwide standards on the horse racing industry after the existing state-by-state patchwork failed to prevent equine fatalities and corruption scandals.

From Slate • Jun. 12, 2026

The onset of World War II and a number of internal scandals once again laid the Klan low.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt