scandalous

adjective

scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-də-ləs How to pronounce scandalous (audio)
Synonyms of scandalousnext
1
: libelous, defamatory
scandalous allegations
2
: offensive to propriety or morality : shocking entry 1
scandalous behavior
scandalously adverb
scandalousness noun

Synonyms of scandalous

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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
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.
Ludwig also finds room for a waltz, the scandalous dance craze of the early 1800s. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026 Skinner, 32, rocked a multicolor plaid miniskirt with a scandalous slit, capping off the look with a long blond wig, pink hoop earrings, a blue plaid headband and vibrant makeup. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, an intimate comedy of manners from Olivia Wilde, and an in-depth, scandalous sports documentary round out the programming. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 So the sordid and scandalous emails released by the Justice Department that showed Epstein connecting Tisch with numerous women passed NFL muster. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scandalous

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scandalous was in 1575

Browse Nearby Words

scandalmonger
scandalous
scandal sheet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scandalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalous. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scandalous

adjective
scan·​dal·​ous ˈskan-d(ə-)ləs How to pronounce scandalous (audio)
1
: harmful to one's reputation : defamatory
denied the truth of the scandalous rumors
2
: shocking
scandalous behavior
scandalously adverb
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