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Definition of scandal

scandal

/ˈskæn.dəl/
scan · dal
Adverb:scandalously
•
Plural:scandals
•
Adjective:scandalous
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scandal Lexical Profile

scandal Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An action, event, or situation regarded as morally or legally wrong that causes public outrage, shock, and damage to reputation.

Example

"The mayor was forced to resign after a major financial scandal came to light."

2

Widespread public indignation, rumor, or malicious gossip resulting from perceived wrongdoing or disgraceful behavior.

Example

"The aristocratic family tried to keep the dispute private to avoid stirring up local scandal."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for scandal

• Nearby Words

scampish
scamster
scan
scandal
scandalize
scandalmonger
scandalmongering

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French escandle and Late Latin scandalum ('cause of offense'), from Ancient Greek skandalon, which originally denoted the trigger of a snare or trap and later came to mean a moral stumbling block.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scandal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scandal
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