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

Off-Broadway theatergoers were served a true gift this season with two adaptations of Molière’s 17th century scandalous satire. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

The psychological thriller is set in the sweltering heat of Atlanta, as residents in the sleepy Georgia town of Dahlonega are forced to deal with the aftermath of a murder that becomes a scandalous news story. —Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

New Wolverines head coach Kyle Wittingham brings a hard-nosed approach from Utah and will look to stabilize the traditional power after the scandalous exit of Sheronne Moore. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2026

In the episode, Williams, 69, reflects on how daytime TV talk shows became must-see, over-the-top TV in the ‘90s by finding increasingly scandalous topics. —Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 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