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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That decision drew sharp criticism from European football chiefs.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies statewide have signed partnership agreements with ICE, drawing criticisms from some residents.—
Lucas Aulbach,
The Courier-Journal,
8 July 2025
Noun
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At Euro 2022, the players nicknamed him ‘Van Gerwen’ — after the Dutch darts player, a three-time PDC world champion, such was his love of the game.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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When the layer was unearthed, researchers found more than 450 lead missile acorns, a type of small projectile, and nine iron dart tips, according to the release.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
Noun
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But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin repudiated the deal, saying a decision on the death penalty in an attack as grave as Sept. 11 should only be made by the defense secretary.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
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The onslaught of attacks on transgender rights fueled Missouri lawmakers to enact a law in 2023 that banned gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers and surgeries, for minors.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
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The information includes names, email, dates of birth and Qantas frequent flyer details.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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That’s when his ugly-American calumny turned to blather.—
Armond White,
National Review,
28 May 2025
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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
Noun
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Libby's censure was initially passed on Feb. 25 by a vote of 75-70.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
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Iran said other measures were also being planned in response to the U.N. agency's censure.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 June 2025
Noun
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This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Rather, state law says they can be held in contempt of court or sued by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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