scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs 

1

: libelous, defamatory

scandalous allegations

2

: offensive to propriety or morality : shocking

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb

scandalousness noun

Synonyms of scandalous

• disgusting
• ugly
• sickening
• shocking
• horrible
• awful
• obscene
• hideous
• obnoxious
• offensive
• dreadful
• nasty

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

What follows is a series of unexpected events that may or may not be connected, including secret government programs, a demonic cult, scandalous affairs, and an alien abduction. —Keith Langston, Space.com, 31 May 2026

There’s nothing in this that’s particularly scandalous or even particularly interesting. —NBC news, 31 May 2026

The confirmation comes after The Wall Street Journal reported that Gertner disclosed the potentially scandalous information to Platner's campaign early on. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

And that seems to be a key to his success so far with the Phillies’ players, though his experiences with some scandalous Yankees history likely help him as well. —Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs 

1

: harmful to one's reputation : defamatory

denied the truth of the scandalous rumors

2

: shocking

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb