scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs How to pronounce scandalous (audio)
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.
Some of late broadcast icon Barbara Walters' infamous, informative interviews sometimes landed in scandalous territory, according to the View creator's longtime friend and fellow TV journalist Cynthia McFadden. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 11 June 2025 The audience seemed to agree, welcoming the over-the-top action sequences, Pemberton’s insights about the soundtrack – and especially the news about that scandalous Maron-Lyonne banter – with glee. Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 June 2025 The politically scandalous Dreyfus affair took place around the turn of the 19th century in France, with Dreyfus banished to Devil’s Island after being found guilty of treason, accused of spreading military secrets to Germany. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 June 2025 Tennis prodigy Scottie is in her Reputation era and returning to the tennis tour after a scandalous two-year suspension by playing with her father’s rival, Nico in Wimbledon’s mixed doubles tournament. Katie Chandler, People.com, 10 June 2025 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 16 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on scandalous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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