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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 With Emilia Perez’s two Best Original Songs now imperiled because of the Karla tweet scandal, some folks are wondering if the door is now open for Warren to finally win. Vulture Staff, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 After a tumultuous few weeks of potentially campaign-derailing scandals, anyone could emerge triumphant. The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025 Lee is best friends with Kate’s character, Isla Gordon, the team’s president who was appointed to the job after a scandal forced her brother to resign. Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025 Trump isn't the only politician to capitalize on scandal. Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scandal

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Cite this Entry

“Scandal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scandal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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