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

News of the investigation broke a few weeks later, at which point production on Season Five of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was put on hold (setting the stage for the rest of the scandal that’s unfolded since). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026

The scandal happened about a year into his first mayoral term. —Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026

And for Supermicro’s customers, changing vendors is a completely different calculus that has nothing to do with a brewing smuggling scandal. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026

But in cases involving public scandals there is often a greater expectation of transparency. —Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026