1
as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
the actor's lawyers charge that the tabloid engaged in a deliberate campaign of character assassination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in libel
the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent
refused to resort to character assassination even if it meant losing his bid for governor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of character assassination
The Court should exercise its discretion to exclude the evidence set forth to avoid unfair character assassination and to ensure a fair trial on the merits.
—
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
The weird character assassination of Sharon Carter?
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
There is a thin line between chatter and character assassination — and gossip goes right for the jugular.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for character assassination
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
The weird character assassination of Sharon Carter?
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
There is a thin line between chatter and character assassination — and gossip goes right for the jugular.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for character assassination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character assassination
Noun
-
Anti-SLAPP laws are generally used to prevent people from using expensive defamation suits to target or punish others for their speech.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The actress, 39, is featured in Silenced, which centers around the weaponization of defamation laws against abuse survivors.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The stylist initially apologized in a comment on Exeter’s video, but tensions escalated when Exeter later shared a private message from Jessica, who allegedly alluded to taking legal action for libel.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Weinberg denied the allegations and sued both women for libel and slander.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The child's mother reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
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On one hand, some argue that Good was attempting to leave the scene, and a trigger-happy ICE agent fired his weapon at her, an abuse of authority.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hegseth’s recent censure of Kelly accuses him of Conduct Unbecoming An Officer and Violating Good Order And Discipline (less serious parts of the UCMJ and more open to interpretation).—
Michael Szalma,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
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Hegseth this week backed off that losing proposition and instead issued a censure for Kelly and started a process to demote him in retirement, which would reduce his pension.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, Walz abandoned his campaign for a third term this month amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … ‘NEVER AGAIN’ – Tim Walz to end political career amid fraud scandal and party criticism.—
,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Black inks for the same printers tend to have less obvious smearing than the color ink, and many smear just enough to see a smudge, without harming readability.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
-
If the smearing continues, look for a position elsewhere.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Character assassination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character%20assassination. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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