Synonym Chooser

How does the verb asperse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of asperse are calumniate, defame, malign, slander, traduce, and vilify. While all these words mean "to injure by speaking ill of," asperse implies continued attack on a reputation often by indirect or insinuated detraction.

both candidates aspersed the other's motives

When could calumniate be used to replace asperse?

The words calumniate and asperse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, calumniate imputes malice to the speaker and falsity to the assertions.

falsely calumniated as a traitor

When is it sensible to use defame instead of asperse?

The words defame and asperse can be used in similar contexts, but defame stresses the actual loss of or injury to one's good name.

sued them for defaming her reputation

When is malign a more appropriate choice than asperse?

The synonyms malign and asperse are sometimes interchangeable, but malign suggests specific and often subtle misrepresentation but may not always imply deliberate lying.

the most maligned monarch in British history

Where would slander be a reasonable alternative to asperse?

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

town gossips slandered their good name

When might traduce be a better fit than asperse?

In some situations, the words traduce and asperse are roughly equivalent. However, traduce stresses the resulting ignominy and distress to the victim.

so traduced the governor that he was driven from office

When can vilify be used instead of asperse?

Although the words vilify and asperse have much in common, vilify implies attempting to destroy a reputation by open and direct abuse.

no criminal was more vilified in the press

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for asperse
Verb
  • In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.
    George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • They were usually surrounded by toddlers, soiling their pull-ups while smeared with frosting.
    Dan Ewen, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Coogler opens with traumatized sharecropper Sammie (impressive newcomer Miles Caton), smeared with blood and fresh claw marks gouged into the side of his face, staggering mid-service into the church where his father preaches, clutching his guitar.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Asperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asperse. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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