character assassination

noun

Definition of character assassinationnext
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

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 character assassination Liuzzo and Good suffered significant character assassination that their male partners-in-protest avoided. — Aniko Bodroghkozy, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2026 This pattern of postmortem character assassination functions as a foundational tactic of modern autocracy. — Kyle Varner, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026 Cries of character assassination that the super smart Donnie would have to ask an AI algorithm for advice could be found all over Twitter. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025 Fending off a character assassination? — Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for character assassination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character assassination
  1. defamation
  2. libel
  3. criticism
  4. abuse
  5. censure
  6. smearing
Noun
  • Trump is seeking $5 billion in defamation damages and another $5 billion over violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 July 2026
  • His social media activity has landed him in court several times for defamation and libel.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 July 2026
Definition of defamation
Noun
  • In 2022, Harry also sued Associated Newspapers for libel over an article concerning his lawsuit against the government.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 2026
  • Top United Nations official Vanessa Frazier is facing a furious backlash after spreading a sick, fake-news blood libel against Israel on social media.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of libel
Noun
  • However, criticism comes with the territory for quarterbacks, and Madsen has faced his share — mostly over his size and arm strength.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
  • The allegation was just part of a drumbeat of US criticism over the cartels’ political protection rackets.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • The violence and torture that took place in detention centers were also gendered, as women suffered abuses different from those to which men were subjected.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • However, their mission proves more than challenging as Trask employs Reavers, a fleet of overpowered militia that abduct and abuse mutants.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of abuse
Noun
  • Kelly keeps his official letter of censure from Hegseth taped to the door of his Senate office.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Establish that violations of the policy may be addressed publicly by the board and may result in board censure.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • So far, several celebrities have been tied to the smearing.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Whereas the initial narrowband signal might have a strong power across just a few frequencies, the smearing spreads that power across more frequencies, reducing the strength of the signal.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Definition of smearing

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character
character assassination
charactered
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Cite this Entry

“Character assassination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character%20assassination. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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