as in criticism
an unfair criticism or false accusation meant to damage another's reputation
Let's keep the debate focused on the issues and try to avoid casting aspersions on one another. I don't mean to cast aspersions on his integrity, but I'm not sure I'd trust him with the money.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aspersion
This potential smoking gun could be a destabilizing and demoralizing blow for many members of the Indigenous community, who in the past 12 months also have seen aspersions cast on the heritage of high-profile figures including Sacheen Littlefeather and independent film producer Heather Rae.
—
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2023
Each apologized profusely, but qualified it with vicious aspersions on the other.
—John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harper's Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023
Klimek: There's some aspersions about men with facial hair there.
—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2023
Not to cast any aspersions at any other demographic, but there’s been a very severe misrepresentation on stages, not just gender-wise, but color-, every-identity-wise.
—Stephanie Clifford, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
Noun
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The move came after White House staffers lobbed criticism at comments made by Ruffin that were critical of the Trump administration.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Now-former Chairman Drew Kromer faced criticism and calls for resignation over a staffer’s departure and allegations the party neglected African American voters.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The new Concord location will feature a variety of attractions, including darts, pool tables, pinball, Buck Hunter and arcade games A specific opening date has not yet been set.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Apr. 2025
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The firms with the best people tend to attract a high volume of applicants—and the general quality of the applicant pool is so high that throwing a dart at the list of potential employees will likely land you a great hire.—
Verne Harnish,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In March, two days of U.S. attacks killed more than 50 people, Houthi officials said.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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The executive order provides examples of charges brought against Christian pro-life protesters and alleges that Democrats failed to respond to attacks on churches.—
Michael Pasek,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The names: Off-Roadeo Arches and Off-Roadeo Cliffhanger are meant to celebrate the Moab area and Bronco Off-Roadeo Moab.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Brazil local time on July 17, 2007, the TAM Airbus A320—now operating under the name LATAM—was arriving from Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre and attempted to land at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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That brings us to the other calumnies Vance and Trump have directed at the Haitians in Springfield.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Sep. 2024
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This egregious calumny is not, however, attributable solely to the disease of the soul that translates into Republicanism according to Biden.—
The Editors,
National Review,
22 May 2024
Noun
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Similarly, in the legal profession, lawyers who violate state bar codes of conduct are subject to discipline, such as censure, suspension, or loss of license to practice law.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Mar. 2025
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Representative Lauren Boebert has criticized her colleague Representative Chrissy Houlahan, the Pennsylvania Democrat who introduced a motion of censure against the Colorado Republican on Monday.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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One judge this week said there was probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt for not taking active steps to follow an order to stop the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to the notorious CECOT Prison in El Salvador.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2025
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Trump scored one victory on Friday when an appeals court put on hold a threat by District Judge James Boasberg of contempt charges.—
Andrew Chung, Luc Cohen, Kristina Cooke,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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