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

Superiors in the church hierarchy are accused of ignoring the crimes or, in some cases, protecting priests by moving them to new posts once the scandals were made public. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

The controversy is the latest in a series of scandals that Peru’s Presidents have become embroiled in. —Connor Greene, Time, 18 Feb. 2026

While the search for city attorney was initially marred by a scandal which resulted in the resignation of the former interim city manager, a months-long search eventually netted Curtis, who serves as city attorney for Redding in Northern California. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Jerí became president in October after his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, was removed amid a high crime rate in the country and corruption scandals surrounding her. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 18 Feb. 2026