Synonyms of defamation

defamation

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən 

as in libel

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• libelling
• defaming
• libeling
• slander
• criticism
• smearing
• calumny
• vilification
• abuse
• attack
• contempt
• censure
• blackening
• character assassination
• maligning
• calumniation
• traducing
• malice
• smear
• vilifying
• innuendo
• aspersing
• mud
• maliciousness
• aspersion
• vituperation
• detraction
• backbiting
• invective
• denunciation
• disdain
• spite
• disparagement
• denigration
• scorn
• spitefulness
• hatefulness
• hatchet job
• venom
• malignancy
• meanness
• malevolence
• belittlement
• malignity
• muck
• viciousness
• spleen
• nastiness
• despite
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• respect
• applause
• esteem
• acclaim
• commendation
• honor
• flattery
• worship
• accolade
• reverence
• adoration
• veneration
• adulation

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of defamation

Loading your audio article ABC, its news division and one of the network’s star anchors, George Stephanopoulos, have agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought earlier this year by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024

There was surprise in the news division at the settlement, given the high threshold that Trump had to clear to prevail in a defamation case. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Dec. 2024

The company is being sold off as part of a defamation settlement after Jones falsely called the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre a hoax. —Hadas Gold, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024

Thursday Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in Washington, DC, on a motion to hold him in contempt related to a defamation lawsuit filed by two Georgia election workers. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024