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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb slander differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of slander are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to slander?

The synonyms asperse and slander are sometimes interchangeable, but asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When is calumniate a more appropriate choice than slander?

The words calumniate and slander can be used in similar contexts, but calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for slander?

The words defame and slander are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When is it sensible to use malign instead of slander?

While the synonyms malign and slander are close in meaning, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

In what contexts can traduce take the place of slander?

The meanings of traduce and slander largely overlap; however, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

When might vilify be a better fit than slander?

In some situations, the words vilify and slander are roughly equivalent. However, vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slander
Noun
Amanda Knox's lawyers react to slander verdict in Italy court Amanda Knox's lawyers Luca Luparia Donati and Carlo Dalla Vedova speak to the press Wednesday after Italy Court reached a verdict in the slander case against Knox in Florence, Italy. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025 At least Redick said some of his slander is in jest. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
Knox was convicted of slandering her former boss Patrick Lumumba by falsely accusing him of Kercher’s murder. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 The court, at the time, did however uphold her conviction for slandering Lumumba, who spent two weeks behind bars before authorities eventually confirmed his alibi. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slander
Noun
  • On New Year’s Eve, Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and Abel sued the New York Times for $250 million for libel.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Lively also advances procedural arguments to dismiss the defamation claims, including that Baldoni brought his lawsuit past the one year window to sue for libel.
    Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There is no music in the teaser, and the only action comes with j-hope stands up and an unseen hand smears his face with white paint as the song’s title pops up on screen.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Now, finally, parents have an ally in the White House—rather than an administration working hand in glove with activist organizations to smear them and chill their political participation.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The case found Greenpeace liable for defamation and trespassing.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The Tate brothers also have an ongoing defamation lawsuit in the Palm Beach Circuit Court.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slander. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slander

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