Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vilify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vilify are asperse, calumniate, defame, malign, slander, and traduce. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Where would asperse be a reasonable alternative to vilify?

The synonyms asperse and vilify 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 vilify?

While the synonyms calumniate and vilify are close in meaning, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When would defame be a good substitute for vilify?

Although the words defame and vilify have much in common, defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When could malign be used to replace vilify?

The words malign and vilify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

When might slander be a better fit than vilify?

The meanings of slander and vilify largely overlap; however, slander stresses the suffering of the victim.

town gossips slandered their good name

When can traduce be used instead of vilify?

While in some cases nearly identical to vilify, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

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 vilify The Venezuelan government also accused the Biden administration of manufacturing the issue to vilify Venezuelan migrants. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s hearing this morning on sanctuary cities is nothing more than an attempt to vilify immigrants and further a political agenda of fear and division. Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025 Until fairly recently, these toothy critters were vilified by anglers as a trash fish that ate more desirable game fish like bass and crappie. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025 Notably, Iranian security forces and intelligence organizations have not fielded any objections to this comparison, even though the Islamic Republic has routinely vilified the crown prince as anti-Islamic and corrupt. Akbar Ganji, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vilify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vilify
Verb
  • Wright got so big on social media even Piers Morgan invited her to libel Jay Z and Beyonce on his platform.
    Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Though he was not named in the ad, Mr. Sullivan asserted he had been personally libeled by The Times and four Black ministers who were signed to the ad.
    David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
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
Verb
  • Remember, Trump kicked off his political career by claiming Obama wasn't born here, and reportedly decided to run for president only after Obama humiliated him to his face at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2011.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the City of Hartford and Hartford School Board, the complaint named Tilda Santiago, a special education case manager who allegedly repeatedly bullied and harassed Ortiz by yelling and humiliating the teen in front of other students and teachers.
    David Chiu, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump on Tuesday escalated his campaign to discredit judges who get in his way, calling on Congress to impeach the judge at the center of a legal fight over the deportation of hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • More often than not these spins have one end goal: to dismiss or discredit someone or something.
    Lucy Dolan-Zalaznick, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While speaking to news outlets, Bianco wrongly accused Miller of plotting to assassinate Trump, defaming him as a result, the complaint says.
    Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Daddy Yankee has reportedly filed a $250 million lawsuit against his ex-wife and her sister, alleging the women mismanaged two of his companies and defamed him.
    Rachel DeSantis, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vilify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vilify. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vilify

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