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
The author casts unconfirmed aspersions on the agency.
—
Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 Dec. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 Dec. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
Noun
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Through the criticism, Kneecap has denied allegations of antisemitism, arguing that their message is focused on the Israeli government’s actions.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Aug. 2025
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The brawl received national attention after cell phone videos from that night went viral, prompting criticism of Cincinnati's Democrat leadership.—
Kevin Grasha,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Dart handled a blitz with his dart to Smith-Marsette particularly well.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
12 Aug. 2025
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The video depicts Williams engaging in various activities around Nashville, from karaoke to darts.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Given the dynamics of last year’s presidential contest, in which worries about rising costs of living played a role in Californian Kamala Harris’s loss to Donald Trump, California’s very high costs for housing and other fundamental living needs, would be fodder for attacks on Newsom in 2028.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2025
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But just this week, BPD arrested two undocumented immigrants caught on camera carrying out a violent attack in Canton.—
WBFF STAFF,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Townsend has been doing community service work under the name Blessed On Purpose.—
La Risa R. Lynch,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The indictment states Peters and Knisley pretended to hire an IT consultant, used his name and Social Security number to pass a background check and acquire a security clearance and access badge.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Sermon on the ‘Mount episode also represented, amid the resulting furor on the right, a canny announcement that the collected calumnies of creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are finally available on the Paramount Plus streaming service, after years licensed on Warner Bros.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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That’s when his ugly-American calumny turned to blather.—
Armond White,
National Review,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The council approved the first censure by a 4-0 vote on Feb. 4 with Blain absent.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 July 2025
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Bolick pointed also to the Maricopa County Republican Committee's 2024 censure of the Arizona Supreme Court.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Paxton’s filing also asked Judge Megan Fahey to hold O’Rourke in contempt of court.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Aug. 2025
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The motion asked for the court to hold the city in contempt of court, saying LAPD officers hit journalists with batons and arrested them in violation of the court's previous order.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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