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

The 26-year-old model-daughter of Poison frontman Bret Michaels won't stir up scandal or party hard on the Netflix reality series, which premiered May 29, following influencers and nepo-babies in the bougie California enclave. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 June 2026

The Education Department offered SJSU the chance to resolve the violation without any financial penalty, which the University of Pennsylvania opted to do last July over its scandal involving trans swimmer Lia Thomas. —Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

The scandal triggered an upswing of voter interest in California’s once sluggish governor’s race and in Becerra, who seized the moment. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

As someone who has had to navigate their own public scandal and headlines in the past, what was your reaction to seeing the headlines and backlash that some of the Islanders faced in season seven? —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026