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

Miley Cyrus sells both rebellion and redemption in neat cycles -- Disney to scandal to gentle country ballads and back again. —Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025

Ritter had a similar take: Cuomo’s problem was less being a moderate than not getting past the scandal that led to his resignation. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025

That included a number of investigative pieces, including the documentary The Secret Government, about the Iran-Contra scandal. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 June 2025

Regardless of who emerged from Tuesday’s runoff, the seating of a new councilmember promised to help heal the distrust and wounds opened up by scandals that had shrouded the District 3 office. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 25 June 2025