SCUM Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

scum

noun

ˈskəm

Definition of scum

as in masses

people looked down upon as ignorant and of the lowest class claimed that only scum lived in that part of town

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bastard

a person whose behavior is offensive to others ignore the heckler—he's complete scum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of scum Vinegar Acidic solutions like vinegar are a fan favorite of many eco-friendly cleaners, due to their innate ability to break down and lift stains from hard water, rust, and soap scum. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 If scale buildup, soap scum and mineral residue are the issue, a hard water shower filter will not address the root cause. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026 Also a knighthood and a castle and certainly social status that ensures he won’t be treated like scum. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Its acidity will do the hard work of dissolving soap scum and hard water stains, and save you the time and effort of tough scrubbing. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scum

Noun

The federal government’s understanding (or misunderstanding, according to bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell) of the 2nd Amendment all begins with the tale of a rabble-rousing 17th century English nobleman.

— Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Abdul El-Sayed, a rabble-rousing populist and former public health official, just barely eked out a primary victory Tuesday in Michigan over a centrist rival who was the pick of Washington Democrats to keep a must-hold Senate seat.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of rabble

Noun

That roller coaster of flavor and tenderness comes from dry-aging the steaks for 30 to 40 days in rum, and a marinade that involves both jerk spice and Onwuachi’s mother’s Creole green seasoning, a paste of herbs, aromatics and peppers.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
This book includes nothing from Elain’s perspective; hopefully, the next book will prioritize her and possibly offer some magical explanation for why the rest of the Night Court has been such jerks to one another in this novel.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of jerk

Noun

Sure, in 1854, the first prepacked box of Whitman's chocolates was introduced, guaranteeing to the American populace a standard of staleness, of flavorlessness, for years to come.

— Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
The idea is that voting is not the only way to drive change; demonstration is considered a bedrock value, a way to make elites hear the populace and to defend freedoms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

That’s not to jinx the master clown who’s currently doddering around in Argan’s shoes on Broadway.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
In several descriptions of these amateur events, including some of his own, Hemingway sounds less like a matador than a rodeo clown.

— Stephen Bates, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of clown

Noun

Plus, most rooms have a recycling bin in addition to a trash bin in the larger kitchenettes and the custom mattresses are eco-friendly, US made, and toxin-free.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Thompson said the interior was also littered with trash, drugs and bodily fluids.

— CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of trash

Noun

After contracting the plague, he was banished to a cave, where a dog brought him bread and healed his wounds by licking them.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Anyone seeking to adopt a dog or cat can fill out the adoption form on their website.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of dog

Noun

Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026