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

These defeats come at a time of scandal. —Ian Bremmer, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025

Corporate fraud scandals, from Enron to WorldCom, led to the enactment of Sarbanes-Oxley, while the 2008 financial crisis gave rise to Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

This comes after reports that King Charles wants to keep them at arm’s length ever since the latest scandal about Sarah Ferguson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Prince Andrew has long been linked. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025