SCANDAL Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'scandal' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scandal are crime , offense , sin , and vice . While all these words mean "a transgression of law," scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience. // a career ruined by a sex scandal

Q: When is 'crime' a more appropriate choice than 'scandal'?

The words crime and scandal can be used in similar contexts, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state. // the crime of murder

Q: When might 'offense' be a better fit than 'scandal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to scandal , offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code. // at that school no offense went unpunished

Q: In what contexts can 'sin' take the place of 'scandal'?

Although the words sin and scandal have much in common, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law. // the sin of blasphemy

Q: When would 'vice' be a good substitute for 'scandal'?

The synonyms vice and scandal are sometimes interchangeable, but vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts. // regarded gambling as a vice

scandal

noun

ˈskan-dᵊl

Definition of scandal

as in disgrace

a cause of shame a scandal that for many years haunted the family of the banker convicted of embezzlement

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How does the noun scandal contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scandal are crime, offense, sin, and vice. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

When is crime a more appropriate choice than scandal?

The words crime and scandal can be used in similar contexts, but crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When might offense be a better fit than scandal?

While in some cases nearly identical to scandal, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

In what contexts can sin take the place of scandal?

Although the words sin and scandal have much in common, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

When would vice be a good substitute for scandal?

The synonyms vice and scandal are sometimes interchangeable, but vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

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 scandal Loughlin was initially fired by Hallmark in 2019 after being charged in the scandal, but the actress has since been gradually returning to the spotlight. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The recent scandal surrounding the Met Gala‘s decision to honor John Galliano with a Costume Institute retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has left many in a complicated position. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026 The investigation was marred by a series of scandals, including a civil suit by Wallace’s family accusing the LAPD of wrongdoing. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Rotterdam’s Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has become central to a local corruption scandal, due to the conduct of civil servants who allegedly accepted bribes to grant exorbitant construction contracts for public work. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scandal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scandal

Noun

When Spiro Agnew resigned in disgrace over tax evasion, Kennerly was tapped to photograph one of his potential replacements as vice president, Gerald Ford.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Until Graham Platner’s Maine Senate campaign exploded in disgrace, Platner was routinely cast as a son of privilege playing Carhartt dress-up.

— Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of disgrace

Noun

The latest leg of the sell-off is a reflection of a mix of high government debt issuance, an oil-price shock that has reignited inflation concerns and expectations that central banks may keep monetary policy tighter for longer.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Chelsea, despite missing out on a late move for Lamine Camara, and Tottenham have improved considerably, but that is more a reflection of previous dysfunction — and a lighter schedule — than inspired recruitment.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of reflection

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scan

scandal

scandalize

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“Scandal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scandal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scandal

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