scandalous

adjective

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

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.
The catalyst for the drama was Lady Duff Twysden, a 34-year-old socialite from the louche British upper classes who had become a scandalous minor celebrity in Paris for her beauty, her unique style and her many affairs. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025 Broward County Judge Lauren Peffer is seeking to dismiss some of the ethics charges filed against her last month stemming from her use of a recording during her 2024 campaign that was made with generative artificial intelligence and her promotion of a scandalous book. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2025 Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Its products are scandalous, juicy, and all about girlhood just like the show, so the Hulu collab makes perfect sense. Cam Zhang, StyleCaster, 1 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Scandalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalous. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on scandalous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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