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

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Brian Johnson is best known as the Liver King, a social media star known for his bushy beard, his penchant for going everywhere shirtless, and the steroid scandal that caused so many of his fans to lose faith in him. —Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Graham oversaw the paper’s coverage of Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal, led by Woodward and Carl Bernstein, which came to define the paper’s golden gate. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

The series lost in the Limited Drama category to Mr Bates vs The Post Office, a four-part series airing on the U.K.'s ITV, led by Leading Actor nominee Toby Jones, and based on the real-life Post Office Horizon scandal. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 May 2025

They don’t get hurt or test positive for steroids or have off-field scandals. —Michael Salfino, New York Times, 1 May 2025