Synonyms of scandalous

scandalous

adjective

ˈskan-də-ləs 

1

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

the scandalous news that police officers had been taking bribes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgusting
• ugly
• sickening
• shocking
• horrible
• awful
• obscene
• hideous
• obnoxious
• offensive
• dreadful
• nasty
• unpleasant
• appalling
• evil
• odious
• revolting
• gross
• abominable
• gruesome
• repulsive
• repugnant
• loathsome
• distasteful
• abhorrent
• horrid
• horrific
• terrible
• nauseating
• noxious
• horrendous
• disturbing
• repellent
• foul
• undesirable
• noisome
• fulsome
• vile
• nauseous
• rancid
• objectionable
• unwanted
• hateful
• monstrous
• horrifying
• disagreeable
• detestable
• despicable
• miserable
• contemptible
• heinous
• unsavory
• grim
• unhealthy
• unspeakable
• unwholesome
• lurid
• ghastly
• grisly
• macabre
• atrocious
• unwelcome
• exceptionable
• frightful
• brackish
• execrable
• sick
• nightmarish
• unholy
• dislikable
• ungodly
• upsetting
• unchristian
• uncivilized
• barbarous
• lousy
• hard
• distressing
• sickly
• sickish
• off-putting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocuous
• acceptable
• desirable
• attractive
• delightful
• delicious
• inoffensive
• sweet
• alluring
• pleasant
• dreamy
• agreeable
• gratifying
• appealing
• delectable
• felicitous
• enjoyable
• heavenly
• congenial
• nice
• luscious
• satisfying
• pleasurable
• welcome
• darling
• palatable
• likable
• pleasing
• savory
• inviting
• blessed
• unobjectionable
• dulcet
• unexceptionable
• wholesome
• healthy
• healthful
• salutary
• salubrious
• restorative
• delightsome

2

as in erroneous

causing or intended to cause unjust injury to a person's good name

spread a scandalous rumor about a coworker that almost cost him his job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erroneous
• libelous
• slanderous
• incorrect
• defamatory
• calumnious
• false
• unfavorable
• inaccurate
• malicious
• unflattering
• untrue
• objectionable
• uncomplimentary
• derogatory
• wrong
• invidious
• depreciatory
• disparaging
• inexact
• hateful
• unsound
• invalid
• spiteful
• denigratory
• depreciative
• detractive
• malevolent
• denigrative
• off
• maligning
• vilifying
• traducing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• favorable
• complimentary
• appreciative
• true
• accurate
• correct
• valid
• laudatory
• factual
• right
• sound
• hagiographic
• eulogistic
• adulatory
• commendatory
• errorless

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scandalous

According to city documents, the story behind the ordinance change dates back to the early 2000s, when scandalous stories of fraudulent South Florida psychics made headlines. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

When Cyrus flipped her Disney Channel image on its head during her late-teen years, generating tabloid headlines over drug use and scandalous performances, Parton publicly stood by her. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Another royal-adjacent resident of Adelaide Cottage was Peter Townsend, the British Royal Air Force officer who had a scandalous romance with Princess Margaret in the 1940s and ‘50s. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026

Maybe the queen begins a scandalous affair with a new lover as a betrayal takes place around a campfire in another town. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026