scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs 

1

: libelous, defamatory

scandalous allegations

2

: offensive to propriety or morality : shocking

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb

scandalousness noun

Synonyms

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of scandalous in a Sentence

Sex was a scandalous subject back then.

The magazine published scandalous pictures of the movie star.

The high price of gas these days is scandalous.

She was spreading scandalous rumors about him.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a classic enemies-to-lovers tale, Jessica Trent is set on saving her brother from the influence of the scandalous Marquess of Dain…only to fall for him. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 May 2025

But if the creator could stand the temperature drop, an Alpine season at the French resort town would make for a snowy—and scandalous—setting. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025

After a scandalous clue package, more hilarious antics on stage, and a clue assist once more by Kirkpatrick, the judges adjusted their guesses for Yorkie to include Teresa Giudice (Jeong), Paris Hilton (Ora), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg). —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025

The case is scandalous from all angles and while Milei will probably manage to survive (and even thrive) in its aftermath, the reputational damage is done. —Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs 

1

: harmful to one's reputation : defamatory

denied the truth of the scandalous rumors

2

: shocking

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb