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 of defamation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the days leading up to trial, the judge handed Newsmax a major victory by eliminating the possibility of a punitive damages award, which significantly reduced any amount the network might have to pay if it is found liable for defamation. —Marshall Cohen, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

In response, the former governor sued her for defamation. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024

There has been controversy, with the woman who identified herself as the inspiration for the show’s stalker character suing the streamer, accusing Netflix of defamation. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

The judge in that case had thrown out the defamation claim on the ground that scientific disagreements were scientific disagreements. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2024