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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defamation

Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, alleging extortion and defamation. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025

In January, Baldoni responded with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloan’s PR firm alleging several claims, including civil extortion and defamation. —Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025

Habba, who now serves as counselor to the president, became one of Trump's most recognizable lawyers following her work on the civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization and the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Baldoni has denied Lively’s allegations and filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and her publicist Leslie Sloane in January. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025