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

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 Several Kennedys have served honorably and without scandal. —

Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 The Vatican Bank has been working to reform its image after a series of scandals. —

Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026 One day after the Prince and Princess of Wales broke their silence on new allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, one onlooker questioned William about the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal. —

Hannah Malach, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 Simmering discontent The Mandelson scandal may be the final straw that finishes Starmer’s premiership. —

Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scandal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scandal

Noun

Despite some high-profile falls into disgrace, India’s spiritual leaders are widely revered.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
This kind of Jim Crow–style dehumanization is pathetic and a disgrace to the office.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of disgrace

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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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of scandal

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