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

Relevance

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 Politicians who supported him on all but one issue are referred to as scum or worse. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026 People didn’t really understand our stories, but nonetheless, we were labeled scum. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026 In 1913, Antonino Alati left southern Italy to find a better life in a land where many people regarded him as little better than scum. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 The acid in vinegar will help cut through soap scum on glass and acrylic doors, resulting in a sparkling shine. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scum

Noun

Their tardiness, which saw the start delayed by half an hour, was continued on the field with India looking like a rabble in the face of the onslaught from Buttler and Brook.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026
At the same time, Democratic leaders, backed by a rabble, stormed City Hall and seized control of the local government.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026

Definition of rabble

Noun

Cayman’s restaurant culture is shaped by the more than 130 different nationalities found on the islands, from traditional jerk chicken joints to fine dining establishments.

— Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
The desire to make fresh New York rap that isn’t indebted to drill, or chasing broader Gen-Z hip-hop trends such as jerk and rage rap, sometimes leads to experiments that don’t land anywhere.

— Lei Takanashi, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026

Definition of jerk

Noun

Unbeknownst to the visitors, there’s an unhappy fifth party already in the house… and more than one homicidal maniac even within that small populace.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 July 2026
Their past two victories against Switzerland and Egypt came with the help of controversial calls that had the soccer-watching populace buzzing about potential favoritism toward Argentina.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

One morning during my stay, there were even clowns buzzing about—a thrill to receive a balloon poodle alongside my morning flat white.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
This take on the mad clown of Gotham is less Jack Nicholson and George Romero, choosing a more stoic approach inspired by Conrad Veidt silent films and German expressionism.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

Definition of clown

Noun

Or the convention center in Christchurch that became carbon zero because one young staffer started auditing the trash bins.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
In The Athletic’s anonymous annual player poll, he has been voted the NFL’s biggest trash talker and most annoying player.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of trash

Noun

Both Shapiro and Graziano kept their original Instagram handles and changed the names to add their current dogs.

— Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Seeing your pup happily playing in the backyard or snoozing on the couch can provide reassurance for you without creating confusion for your dog.

— Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026