vilification

noun

vil·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌvi-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of vilifying : abuse

2

: an instance of vilifying : a defamatory utterance

Synonyms of vilification

• defamation
• libel
• defaming
• libeling
• criticism

Examples of vilification in a Sentence

warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system

Recent Examples on the Web

Bezos decries 'vilification' of the rich Jeff Bezos speaks with CNBC's Squawk Box from Merrit Island, Florida on May 20th, 2026. —Kevin Breuninger,annie Palmer, CNBC, 20 May 2026

And always these massacres were preceded by vilification, by slanders. —CBS News, 10 May 2026

Kim’s vilification of the South has been a major setback for Seoul’s liberal government, which desires reengagement and has taken preemptive steps to ease tensions, including shutting down propaganda broadcasts along the border. —ABC News, 7 May 2026

For example, the ADL contends that vilification of Zionism — the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel — is a form of antisemitism, yet some Jews are among the critics of Zionism and of the ADL itself. —David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vilification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration