scandalous
adjective
scan·dal·ous
ˈskan-də-ləs 
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
In Near, the Court considered the constitutionality of a Minnesota public nuisance statute that allowed authorities to shut down scandalous and defamatory periodicals.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026
The New England Patriots' latest scandal Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel left his team on Day 3 of the draft this year, turning his attention to his family after several scandalous photos of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini leaked in recent weeks.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The museum used to be marked by a slightly scandalous sculpture of the Playboy bunny symbol at its entrance.
—Laura Ratliff, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
For decades, local government watchers have seen a disturbing run of poor management and scandalous property decisions, especially at San Diego City Hall.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scandalous
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026
The New England Patriots' latest scandal Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel left his team on Day 3 of the draft this year, turning his attention to his family after several scandalous photos of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini leaked in recent weeks.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The museum used to be marked by a slightly scandalous sculpture of the Playboy bunny symbol at its entrance.
—Laura Ratliff, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
For decades, local government watchers have seen a disturbing run of poor management and scandalous property decisions, especially at San Diego City Hall.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scandalous
Cite this Entry
“Scandalous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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