Synonyms of slander

slander 1 of 2

noun

as in libel

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

instead of resorting to slander, the candidates should be outlining their plans for getting us out of this mess

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• defamation
• libelling
• defaming
• libeling
• calumny
• smearing
• criticism
• vilification
• abuse
• attack
• censure
• contempt
• blackening
• maligning
• smear
• traducing
• malice
• vilifying
• calumniation
• innuendo
• character assassination
• detraction
• backbiting
• mud
• vituperation
• aspersion
• invective
• denunciation
• maliciousness
• aspersing
• disdain
• spite
• scorn
• disparagement
• denigration
• spitefulness
• meanness
• hatefulness
• belittlement
• malignity
• hatchet job
• venom
• muck
• malevolence
• malignancy
• viciousness
• spleen
• nastiness
• despite
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• respect
• applause
• commendation
• esteem
• honor
• acclaim
• flattery
• worship
• accolade
• reverence
• veneration
• adoration
• adulation

slander

2 of 2

verb

ˈslan-dər 

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about

for some reason, that newspaper seems determined to slander one particular celebrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• smear
• defame
• discredit
• disgrace
• humiliate
• malign
• vilify
• calumniate
• shame
• asperse
• disparage
• denigrate
• traduce
• blacken
• belittle
• detract
• dishonor
• humble
• disdain
• degrade
• scorn
• debase
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• commend
• exalt
• glorify
• praise
• respect
• applaud
• regard
• admire
• esteem
• worship
• acclaim
• adore
• revere
• venerate

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

Recent Examples of slander

Noun

Stray words and actions also can trigger liability for libel, slander, harassment, or other claims. —Bob Carlson, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025

The Court of Cassation annulled the slander conviction, CBS News reports. —Kc Baker, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

In a startling turn of events, the former New York City mayor walked away with all of his belongings in exchange for an undisclosed sum and a promise to stop slandering them. —Molly Crane Newman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025

The reading of history damps down the impulse to slander the trend and tenor of the times, instills a sense of humor, lessens our fear of what might happen tomorrow. —Harper’s Magazine, Harper's Magazine, 2 Oct. 2024