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
-
So far, Trumps criticism of Powell doesn’t appear to have had any bearing on monetary policy, despite temporarily shaking the markets in late April when it was believed Trump might try to fire Powell.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the actress, 33, opens up about the unexpected criticism she's received on her physical appearance after starring as Bronte aka Louise Flannery in the final season of You.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Other amenities include electronic darts, a golf simulator and a sports theater.—
Joanna K. Tzouvelis,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
-
As it’s escaped from inefficient money spent on Milan Lucic, Jack Campbell, Mikko Koskinen and company, it’s thrown more and more darts — not all of them sensible — in the name of building a roster that can win when McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the bench, too.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Try supplements: Certain supplements, such as Riboflavin and CoQ10, can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
-
Gangs control at least 85% of its capital, Port-au-Prince, and have launched attacks in the country’s central region in recent years.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Boise State basketball is doubling up on a Hall of Fame name in the program.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2025
-
Cooper Flagg is the headline name, but fellow five-star freshman Kon Knueppel is also worth taking note of, along with center Khaman Maluach.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
That’s when his ugly-American calumny turned to blather.—
Armond White,
National Review,
28 May 2025
-
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
-
Stupar declined to comment on the censure, referring any questions to Lynch, who is president of the board.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2025
-
Libby filed her lawsuit against Fecteau to have the censure overturned on March 11.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
No one is more familiar than Walker with state government’s contempt for constitutional rights.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2025
-
Epic then argued in court that Apple wasn’t complying with the order, and a judge ruled in Epic’s favor in April, holding Apple in civil contempt.—
John Yoon,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share