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

The second civil suit for defamation, filed against both iHeartMedia and UMG, accuses the companies of knowingly damaging Drake’s reputation. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Nov. 2024

The same year, Burke filed a defamation suit against CBS after the broadcaster's documentary, The Case of JonBenét Ramsey, accused then-9-year-old Burke of murdering his sister in a fit of rage. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Epps’s case was dismissed a day after Fox notched another win in court when a judge in New York dropped a defamation case against host Jessica Tarlov brought by Tony Bobulinski, a former associate of President Biden’s son Hunter Biden. —Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024

The defamation suit was settled in 2019 for an undisclosed amount. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024