scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs 

1

: libelous, defamatory

scandalous allegations

2

: offensive to propriety or morality : shocking entry 1

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb

scandalousness noun

Synonyms of scandalous

• disgusting
• ugly
• sickening
• shocking
• horrible
• awful
• obscene
• hideous
• obnoxious
• offensive
• dreadful
• nasty

Examples of scandalous in a Sentence

Sex was a scandalous subject back then.

The magazine published scandalous pictures of the movie star.

The high price of gas these days is scandalous.

She was spreading scandalous rumors about him.

Recent Examples on the Web

But now, new scandalous revelations indicate problems might run even deeper. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2026

The group navigates high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets and shifting allegiances — both in the courtroom and within their own ranks — as well as a fierce rivalry with competitor Carrington Lane (Paulson). — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

Think of Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra, from October 3 to November 13, as a steamy, scandalous romance novel that fuels our passions and liaisons. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

The pull of the scandalous Spencer lore is simply too much for the tabloids to resist. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs 

1

: harmful to one's reputation : defamatory

denied the truth of the scandalous rumors

2

: shocking

scandalous behavior

scandalously adverb