scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs How to pronounce scandalous (audio)
Synonyms of scandalousnext
1
: libelous, defamatory
scandalous allegations
2
: offensive to propriety or morality : shocking
scandalous behavior
scandalously adverb
scandalousness noun

Examples of scandalous in a Sentence

Sex was a scandalous subject back then. The magazine published scandalous pictures of the movie star. The high price of gas these days is scandalous. She was spreading scandalous rumors about him.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rhode Islanders nicknamed the house after the scandalous socialite, and the name is still often used by locals today. Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 28 Mar. 2026 In addition to drama around the ongoing domestic-violence investigation into the show’s star Taylor Frankie Paul, there are two impending divorces, a MomToker relocating to NYC, and a few other less scandalous updates. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026 The most viral videos feature fruits in absurd situations, ranging from scandalous affairs with other fruits to baby fruits thrown off a ship (yes, really). Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026 But Illinois is in the middle of a good run of competent government without a focus on scandalous intrigue. Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scandalous

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scandalous was in 1575

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Cite this Entry

“Scandalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalous. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

scandalous

adjective
scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs How to pronounce scandalous (audio)
1
: harmful to one's reputation : defamatory
denied the truth of the scandalous rumors
2
: shocking
scandalous behavior
scandalously adverb

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