Synonyms of scandal

scandal

noun

ˈskan-dᵊl 

as in disgrace

a cause of shame

a scandal that for many years haunted the family of the banker convicted of embezzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgrace
• reflection
• stain
• dishonor
• opprobrium
• reproach
• stigma
• taint
• blot
• slur
• brand
• smirch
• spot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• credit
• honor
• glory
• pride
• treasure
• jewel
• boast

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scandal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scandal are crime, offense, sin, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is crime a more appropriate choice than scandal?

The words crime and scandal can be used in similar contexts, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When might offense be a better fit than scandal?

While in some cases nearly identical to scandal, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

In what contexts can sin take the place of scandal?

Although the words sin and scandal have much in common, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

When would vice be a good substitute for scandal?

The synonyms vice and scandal are sometimes interchangeable, but vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scandal

But Smith or the residents of District 3 could hardly know what was to come as a child molestation scandal derailed Torres’ career and planted a seed of distrust and betrayal in the eyes of some voters. —Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2025

So today, Grunewald’s painting reminds me of the beautiful scandal of love. —Mike Lowenberg, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Sources tell IndieWire that, as the Academy prepares its annual review of its rules this spring, the current AI scandals are likely to push the issue of mandatory AI disclosure. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025

Impact of the scandal Today, the allegations of fraud and misconduct by eFishery have reverberated throughout the region. —Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025