Synonyms of scandal

scandal

noun

ˈskan-dᵊl 

as in disgrace

a cause of shame

a scandal that for many years haunted the family of the banker convicted of embezzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgrace
• reflection
• stain
• dishonor
• opprobrium
• reproach
• stigma
• taint
• blot
• slur
• brand
• smirch
• spot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• credit
• honor
• glory
• pride
• treasure
• jewel
• boast

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scandal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scandal are crime, offense, sin, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is crime a more appropriate choice than scandal?

The words crime and scandal can be used in similar contexts, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When might offense be a better fit than scandal?

While in some cases nearly identical to scandal, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

In what contexts can sin take the place of scandal?

Although the words sin and scandal have much in common, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

When would vice be a good substitute for scandal?

The synonyms vice and scandal are sometimes interchangeable, but vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scandal

What scandals have the goat mayors faced? —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

Between all the aforementioned changes to college sports and the Committee on Infractions' lenient ruling in Michigan football's sign-stealing scandal, now's as good a time as any for Louisville to get started on this. —Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

Cawthorn, 30, served one term in Congress representing North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, but his constituents voted him out of office after a series of scandals turned him from a rising star in the Republican Party to a name associated with trouble. —Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025

The film also explores Martin’s troubled relationship with her boxing trainer and husband, Jim Martin (Ben Foster), which involved codependency, drug abuse, financial scandal and physical and psychological violence. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025