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 countered Lively’s initial claim on Jan. 16 with a $400 million lawsuit against her, her husband Ryan Reynolds and their publicist Leslie Sloane, alleging extortion, defamation and more. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Baldoni's defamation and extortion case targets Lively, her husband , and publicist Leslie Sloane. —Erin Keller, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are reportedly seeking to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against them. —Meredith Nardino, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025

In the weeks before his inauguration, ABC agreed to donate $15 million to Trump’s future presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit against the network. —Brian Stelter, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025