as in criticism
an unfair criticism or false accusation meant to damage another's reputation
Let's keep the debate focused on the issues and try to avoid casting aspersions on one another. I don't mean to cast aspersions on his integrity, but I'm not sure I'd trust him with the money.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aspersion
This potential smoking gun could be a destabilizing and demoralizing blow for many members of the Indigenous community, who in the past 12 months also have seen aspersions cast on the heritage of high-profile figures including Sacheen Littlefeather and independent film producer Heather Rae.
—
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
Noun
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Then came subsequent criticism about her selection for the 2024 Women’s Olympic team – especially considering Caitlin Clark’s absence – followed by her Las Vegas Aces’ loss in the 2024 WNBA Finals.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
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There have been many waves of criticism, pointing out the impossibility of carrying out the test in a precise or useful way.—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Lines that felt, if not like a poison dart aimed at our current political situation, then like an awfully lucky shot.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
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For the video, Dacus and her hot mascs had been playing poker and darts, arm-wrestling, boxing, puffing cigars, lifting weights.—
Amanda Petrusich,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Ceasefire in tatters The ceasefire that took hold in January paused more than a year of fighting ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 hostage.—
Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
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The ceasefire started in January, pausing a 15-month war sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Enter your full name, email address and other account information to verify your identity.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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California was the first state to adopt a policy in 2019 by enacting the Fair Pay to Play Act, which allowed college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, effectively pressuring the NCAA to do the same.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That brings us to the other calumnies Vance and Trump have directed at the Haitians in Springfield.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Sep. 2024
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Sifton and Stern conclude their book with a look at how even after the Nazis’ defeat, the Bonhoeffer and Dohnanyi families faced public and official calumny for being relatives of traitors.—
Peter Hoffmann,
Foreign Affairs,
18 June 2014
Noun
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Fox News was first to report the censure resolution.—
Andrew Solender,
Axios,
25 Mar. 2025
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The Washington Examiner obtained the text of the censure resolution.—
Ross O'Keefe,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.—
Eric Gonzalez,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2025
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But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.—
Jeanna Smialek,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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