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

Elijah’s win over Mills in the primary means Dalton’s path to victory in November has narrowed, as Democrats were likely banking on the congressman’s various scandals turning off some moderate and Republican voters, MacManus said. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Vibes feel decidedly different in 2026; the school and the whole conference have been rocked by the Brendan Sorsby scandal. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Perhaps the most prominent name is Madison Cawthorn, who was ousted from his North Carolina congressional seat in 2022 after multiple scandals during his time in office. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026

Tackling the fraud scandal has been one of the hottest topics in the Minnesota gubernatorial race as Klobuchar tries to distance herself from the Walz administration’s legacy on the matter. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026