aspersing 1 of 3

noun

as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation she has refused to take part in the mean-spirited aspersing in which so many political candidates indulge

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aspersing

2 of 3

adjective

as in insulting

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Dissimilar Words

aspersing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of asperse
as in smearing
to make untrue and harmful statements about how dare you asperse the character of our dedicated pastor!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersing
  1. defamation
  2. insulting
  3. smearing
  4. libel
  5. degrading
  6. humiliating
  7. criticism
  8. defamatory
Noun
  • This is the second time a federal judge has tossed the defamation suit, which sought $10 billion in damages.
    — Scott Nover, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Trump sought at least $20 billion in damages on two counts of defamation in the initial suit, filed in July 2025.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of defamation
Adjective
  • His short, curt answers, or nonanswers are comedy for some, arrogant or insulting to others, especially when fans want an explanation for one of his decisions.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But to propose trading him for anything short of a fourth-round pick is insulting.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of insulting
Verb
  • Giuliani was also slapped with a $148-million libel verdict for smearing two election workers in Georgia.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For months now, so much vitriol crept into our TVs, interrupting the Bears or your favorite college football team with a special message from a super PAC or a partisan looking to score points by smearing their opponents.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of smearing
Noun
  • Giuliani was also slapped with a $148-million libel verdict for smearing two election workers in Georgia.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In addition to the restraining order, Fif has also filed a $6 million civil suit against Kemp in California, citing libel and slander, false light invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of libel
Adjective
  • At Fuerte Guaicaipuro, a military facility, investigators documented detainees being confined in pit-like cells dug below ground level and subjected to cold, food deprivation and other degrading treatment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The beating can look degrading, but the check might protect opportunities for hundreds of athletes who never appear in the game.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of degrading
Verb
  • The Iranians are now setting the terms of this conflict and are routinely humiliating the American president.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Instead of demanding personal fealty or humiliating them to assert personal dominance, Lincoln absorbed their egos and occasional slights, elevating their talents and turning his fiercest political adversaries into his most devoted champions.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Definition of humiliating
Noun
  • This dynamic drew criticism from readers — and, later, a response from Berry.
    — August Lamm, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Speaking in Spanish, Leo emphasized the importance of protecting family life and delivered a pointed criticism of both laws.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of criticism
Adjective
  • Trump has described the broadcast as false, misleading and defamatory under Florida law.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Mansouri denied the allegations, called them defamatory and took legal action.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of defamatory
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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asperses
aspersing
aspersion
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Cite this Entry

“Aspersing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersing. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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