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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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.
Recent Examples of scandal Sports gambling scandals stretch back to chariot racing days. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 For now, this dramatization of the Ohtani scandal remains stuck in the Lionsgate dugout. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 And though the scandals continue, the government might feel that’s not enough. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025 The Black Sox World Series baseball scandal was way back in 1919. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scandal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scandal
Noun
  • Amid her disgrace, Baldwin somewhat retreated from social media and from constantly posting images of her seven children, which critics found exploitative.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Diwali is a time for celebration, but also reflection — on how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities — and there are plenty of both right now for Indians and for Indian-Americans.
    Angela Chitkara, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Produced by Close Media, Al-Ahsa Cinema Club and Hazel Films, the film offers a poetic reflection on motherhood, psychology and Arab cultural identity, capturing the lullaby as both music and memory.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scandal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scandal. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scandal

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