Synonyms

scandalmonger

American

[skan-dl-mong-ger, -muhng-] / ˈskæn dlˌmɒŋ gər, -ˌmʌŋ- /

noun

a person who spreads scandal or gossip.

scandalmonger British

/ ˈskændəlˌmʌŋɡə /

noun

a person who spreads or enjoys scandal, gossip, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scandalmonger

First recorded in 1715–25; scandal + monger

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a twist so rich it seems fictional, Rupert grew up to become Grant’s natural enemy: not just a scandalmonger, but a tabloid paparazzo.

From Slate • Jul. 24, 2018

Thomas Jefferson — both eloquent founder and appalling political hack — weaponized the pamphlet, commissioning scandalmonger James Callender to write a hit job on Alexander Hamilton.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2017

There is nothing but glory in this, but it makes it harder for an aspiring scandalmonger to be heard.

From Slate • May 20, 2013

News of the World's new Editor Skelton, no scandalmonger, is a veteran of two years on Lord Rothermere's Daily Mail, and 14 years as top editor of London's conservative, dignified Daily Telegraph.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1798, he commissioned James Callender, a notorious scandalmonger who had recently broken the story on Hamilton’s adulterous affair with Maria Reynolds, to write a libelous attack on Adams.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023