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.
But Illinois is in the middle of a good run of competent government without a focus on scandalous intrigue. Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 Then the show’s teaser trailer was released, which contained a downright scandalous lack of green in its color palette. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026 But Pace achieved a major breakthrough being cast on the primetime soap adaptation of Peyton Place, the scandalous 1956 novel by Grace Metalious that was memorably adapted to the big screen the year after. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 During a panel this week for skincare brand Aveeno, artist-activist-author Copeland, 43, weighed in on the Oscar nominee’s scandalous aside, which sparked backlash from dancers, opera singers and others last week. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 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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