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

With polls indicating that political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high, vilification, and even prosecution, of political opponents has risen as well. —Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

The vilification on the right of Renee Good in Minneapolis. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026

Add the pathetic reality that Illinois is the very definition of unfriendliness for business development and job creation, and the only thing Pritzker and his accomplices can campaign on is the vilification of Trump, facts be damned. —Paul Miller, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

Reuben Kirkham argues Australia’s government is using the Bondi Beach attack to push broader vilification laws that could increase censorship without addressing the root causes of antisemitism. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 25 Dec. 2025

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