Synonyms of scandalous

scandalous

adjective

ˈskan-də-ləs 

1

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

the scandalous news that police officers had been taking bribes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgusting
• ugly
• sickening
• shocking
• horrible
• awful
• obscene
• hideous
• obnoxious
• offensive
• dreadful
• nasty
• unpleasant
• appalling
• evil
• odious
• revolting
• gross
• abominable
• gruesome
• repulsive
• repugnant
• loathsome
• distasteful
• abhorrent
• horrid
• horrific
• terrible
• nauseating
• noxious
• horrendous
• disturbing
• repellent
• foul
• undesirable
• noisome
• fulsome
• vile
• nauseous
• rancid
• objectionable
• unwanted
• hateful
• monstrous
• horrifying
• disagreeable
• detestable
• despicable
• miserable
• contemptible
• heinous
• unsavory
• grim
• unhealthy
• unspeakable
• unwholesome
• lurid
• ghastly
• grisly
• macabre
• atrocious
• unwelcome
• exceptionable
• frightful
• brackish
• execrable
• sick
• nightmarish
• unholy
• dislikable
• ungodly
• upsetting
• unchristian
• uncivilized
• barbarous
• lousy
• hard
• distressing
• sickly
• sickish
• off-putting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocuous
• acceptable
• desirable
• attractive
• delightful
• delicious
• inoffensive
• sweet
• alluring
• pleasant
• dreamy
• agreeable
• gratifying
• appealing
• delectable
• felicitous
• enjoyable
• heavenly
• congenial
• nice
• luscious
• satisfying
• pleasurable
• welcome
• darling
• palatable
• likable
• pleasing
• savory
• inviting
• blessed
• unobjectionable
• dulcet
• unexceptionable
• wholesome
• healthy
• healthful
• salutary
• salubrious
• restorative
• delightsome

2

as in erroneous

causing or intended to cause unjust injury to a person's good name

spread a scandalous rumor about a coworker that almost cost him his job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• erroneous
• libelous
• slanderous
• incorrect
• defamatory
• calumnious
• false
• unfavorable
• inaccurate
• malicious
• unflattering
• untrue
• objectionable
• uncomplimentary
• derogatory
• wrong
• invidious
• depreciatory
• disparaging
• inexact
• hateful
• unsound
• invalid
• spiteful
• denigratory
• depreciative
• detractive
• malevolent
• denigrative
• off
• maligning
• vilifying
• traducing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• favorable
• complimentary
• appreciative
• true
• accurate
• correct
• valid
• laudatory
• factual
• right
• sound
• hagiographic
• eulogistic
• adulatory
• commendatory
• errorless

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scandalous

Copies of the original book have sold for as much as $2,000 online, TCU Press director Dan Williams said, and the author’s sons believe Phillips left Fort Worth because of the backlash to his scandalous debut. — Tom Johanningmeier. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

The first version is a compact novel-within-a-novel in which this fictional couple is further fictionalized, to an uncertain degree but scandalous effect. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Emma was supposedly deeply troubled over this scandalous activity at their home, and moved out. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

According to city documents, the story behind the ordinance change dates back to the early 2000s, when scandalous stories of fraudulent South Florida psychics made headlines. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026