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.
Together, Venus opposite Pluto retrograde is tumultuous and slightly scandalous. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Speaking about the tumultuous relationship on a 2024 episode of SiriusXM's This Life of Mine with James Corden, Miller reflected on the boiling point between the scandalous affair and the chaos of the paparazzi and tabloids hounding them. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026 These new exhibitions — an examination of American Pop Art, a closer look at the scandalous painting that rocked early 20th-century France and an immersive celebration of Yoko Ono — are all worth the trek. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 11 June 2026 Writers, poets, artists, scandalous lovers, and attention-seeking glitterati have all passed through here. Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 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 24 Jun. 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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