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 next

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

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Recent Examples of scandal The last time Florida had a lieutenant governor vacancy was in 2013 when then-Gov. Rick Scott waited 308 days to replace Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who resigned amid a gaming scandal. —

Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025 Although it’s restricted by legislation passed in 1974, after scandals involving former President Richard Nixon, some of Trump’s allies have described the law as an unconstitutional limit on White House authority. —

Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Webber helped lead the Kings to playoffs each year, including a Western Conference Finals run against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, a series which later proved to be a part of an officiating scandal. —

Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 Netflix also made statements clarifying its position during the Chappelle scandal and publicly empathized with aggrieved staff members. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scandal