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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
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
-
Focus on professional factors rather than personal criticisms.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Prominent pro-Israel voices, as well as critics of Israel, defended the movie — or at least called on their allies to tone down the criticism.—
Ben Sales,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Once everything is built, there will be a lakeside restaurant; a recovery center; locker rooms; a dart room; padel courts and room for bocce, cornhole, beach volleyball and musical concerts.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Some even use microneedle technology, with tiny dissolving darts that push actives beneath the skin’s surface for faster, longer-lasting results.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Prior to his election, Vance was explicit in his concerns that US support for Ukraine could hinder its ability to aid Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The attack starts with hackers uploading what looks like a harmless extension to the Chrome Web Store.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The plane got its name from Iron Maiden’s scary Eddie the Head, a recurring character in the band's artwork.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
This gel pick lives up to its 24-hour name and is definitely one of the best pencils on this list, in our opinion.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Sifton and Stern conclude their book with a look at how even after the Nazis’ defeat, the Bonhoeffer and Dohnanyi families faced public and official calumny for being relatives of traitors.—
Peter Hoffmann,
Foreign Affairs,
18 June 2014
Noun
-
Libby represents more than 9,000 constituents in Maine's House District 90, and six of them have signed onto the lawsuit as plaintiffs because the censure has impeded her ability to help carry out other legislative actions to serve those constituents.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Boebert’s office did not comment Tuesday but referenced a Monday post on X in which Boebert addressed the censure resolution by mocking Houlahan.—
Katie Langford,
The Denver Post,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Anyone who doesn’t respect the order could be found in contempt of court.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Five years later, the architects of the Covid Era’s lockdown insanity deserve only our contempt.—
Jeffrey Blehar,
National Review,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share