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.
This is a scandalous example of a broken system where common sense and good judgment were overruled by bad advice, lack of compassion, irresponsible fiscal oversight and a litigious culture. Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 That is a scandalous ratio, the type familiar to teams in the relegation zone. Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 Read More: An Alternative Guide for Valentine’s Day When British and American tourists visited Paris in the early 1800s, they were titillated by the restaurants’ erotic attractions, describing the scandalous new eateries in travel books for readers back home to consume. Rachel Hope Cleves / Made By History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 Regardless, the film’s scandalous backstory remains an essential component of its all-American greatness. John Semley, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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