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 After Every Use After each shower, quickly wipe down the tile or glass to keep surfaces free of water spots, mineral deposits, and soap scum, all but eliminating the need for deep cleans. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 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

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
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

Definition of rabble

Noun

According to children’s program manager Fedeline Julien, who has worked for Beaches since 1999, the area where Treasure Beach stands used to be dedicated to beach parties, team member residences, and the jerk truck.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
In late August, Mayor Mamdani hosted a celebration of Caribbean culture at Gracie Mansion with plenty of patties and jerk chicken to go around.

— Reshma B, VIBE.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of jerk

Noun

The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.

— Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
The entire populace is beholden to Billy’s stepmom, Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan), their resident Manhunter in hiding.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

What followed were Zoom-inclusive mediation meetings, the revelation of tens of thousands of dollars of debt, and something about clown school.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
Twisty the clown crept around, Rubber Man made a second appearance, and black dahlias festooned every table.

— Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of clown

Noun

Mid-round, golfers head to the Halfway House for burger dogs and fish tacos, and the Links Margarita has apparently achieved something close to cult status among regulars.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
These days, her feed is more professionally focused, showcasing mostly red-carpet looks and key art and the occasional photo of her beloved rescue dog, Billie.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 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