scandalmonger
Peddler of disgrace
A scandalmonger is someone who spreads gossip and rumors, especially malicious or damaging ones.
The word carries contempt—it's not neutral like "gossip" but suggests someone who traffics in scandal for pleasure or profit: The tabloids are run by scandalmongers.
The verb scandalmonger and noun scandalmongering follow naturally.
Intrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- gossiperOne who spreads rumors
- yentaNosy, meddling woman
- newsmongerSpreader of idle talk
talebearer · meddler · tattletale · chatterbox · snoop · nosy · prattler · eavesdropper
One who vilifies
- backbiterOne who maligns absent people
- mudslingerOne who spreads slurs
- libelerOne who publishes defamation
- defamerOne who slanders others
calumniator · vilifier · traducer · denigrator · detractor · disparager · falsifier · fabricator
Aggressive celebrity photographer
- yellow journalistReporter favoring sensationalism over accuracy
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
One who creates discord
- pot-stirrerOne who foments discord
- instigatorOne who provokes action
- firebrandAgitator or burning stick
- rabble-rouserOne who stirs dissent
provocateur · fomenter · antagonist · disruptor · inciter · drama queen · stirrer · schemer
busybody
Intrusive meddler
- blabbermouthOne who reveals secrets
- gossiperOne who spreads rumors
- yentaNosy, meddling woman
newsmonger · talebearer · meddler · tattletale · chatterbox · snoop · nosy · prattler · eavesdropper · tittle-tattle
smearer
One who vilifies
- backbiterOne who maligns absent people
- mudslingerOne who spreads slurs
- libelerOne who publishes defamation
defamer · calumniator · vilifier · traducer · denigrator · detractor · disparager · falsifier · fabricator · misrepresenter
paparazzo
Aggressive celebrity photographer
- yellow journalistReporter favoring sensationalism over accuracy
- sensationalistOne who inflames reactions
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
troublemaker
One who creates discord
- pot-stirrerOne who foments discord
- instigatorOne who provokes action
- firebrandAgitator or burning stick
rabble-rouser · provocateur · fomenter · antagonist · disruptor · inciter · drama queen · stirrer · schemer · intriguer
- blabbermouthsblabbermouth, talebearer, tattletale, bigmouth, loudmouth
- defamersdefamer, slanderer, libeler, calumniator, maligner
- mongerswarmonger, fearmonger, hatemonger, cheesemonger, warmongers
- nosy peoplebusybody, snoop, snooper, meddler, eavesdropper
- scandalinfamy, disgrace, coverup, cover-up, affair
scandalmongerconfidant
Trusted keeper of secrets
discretion · vault · confessor · trustee · privacy advocate
scandalmongersupporter
One who backs another
defender · advocate · champion · character witness · loyal friend
scandalmongerpeacemaker
Conflict resolution agent
truth-teller · honest broker · well-wisher · straight shooter