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

Examples 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 Victims have called on two bishops and an associate minister to follow the archbishop in resigning over their involvement in the scandal. —

Arion McNicoll, The Week Uk, theweek, 13 Nov. 2024 In the wake of the fraud case scandal, foundations have doubled down and committed millions to keep the conservancy’s projects going. —

Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 13 Nov. 2024 New watchdogs on the way for the city's Housing Authority A new group of watchdogs will soon begin to scrutinize the Milwaukee Housing Authority, which has been mired in scandal for nearly two years. —

Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024 The White House is untainted by scandal, the incumbent party is charismatic. —

Natalie Neysa Alund, The Courier-Journal, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scandal