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 entire point of declaring some rock cool is to cast further aspersions on the actual popular rock bands at the time.
—
Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025
Any aspersions for the prevalence of fake Louis Vuitton should be cast on Canal Street in New York, not in France.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Even as China’s coercive capabilities and threatening behavior have rightly focused U.S. attention on the risks to American interests, the absence of clear metrics for success leaves the door open for partisan aspersions of the Biden administration’s approach.
—Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024
The author casts unconfirmed aspersions on the agency.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025
Any aspersions for the prevalence of fake Louis Vuitton should be cast on Canal Street in New York, not in France.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Even as China’s coercive capabilities and threatening behavior have rightly focused U.S. attention on the risks to American interests, the absence of clear metrics for success leaves the door open for partisan aspersions of the Biden administration’s approach.
—Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024
The author casts unconfirmed aspersions on the agency.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for aspersion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersion
Noun
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The relationship between Dallas police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement has long been complicated, drawing criticism from both state leaders and community advocates.—
Robbie Owens,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Hungary, a major net recipient of EU funds, had come under increasing criticism for veering away from democratic norms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The professional darts player and reigning Dutch champion, 29, shared an emotional goodbye message to her sport after the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) ruled that transgender women will not be able to compete in women's competitions on Thursday, April 9.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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Landing prospects out of the transfer portal is often a dart throw.—
Connor Riley,
AJC.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There are also other artists, like Patricia Frischer, who has been doing a series of images about the #MeToo movement and women’s rights, which are also under attack at the moment.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
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Cooper said that no US ships have come under attack since the operation began, and as of Friday there had been 19 vessels that had attempted to violate the blockade but heeded US warnings and returned back to port without incident.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The day became a trip down memory lane, Quick said, and the Rangers all took the ice for warmups wearing jerseys with his name and number 32 on the back.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Famous names like Freddie Mercury and David and Victoria Beckham have long been associated with Kensington, one of London’s most affluent areas.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Shapiro released a special 41-minute episode of his podcast detailing Fuentes’s career of calumnies against Black people, Indian Americans, Jews, and women—and called out Carlson’s refusal to confront the young white supremacist about any of it.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
4 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
-
Maybe another censure is warranted.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Washington County Board of Education approved the censure during an emergency meeting, following public calls to remove board member Keith Ervin and Superintendent Jerry Boyd.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Josett pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors, including unauthorized computer access and fraud; annoying and repeated phone calls; and contempt of court for violating the restraining order.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Our law essentially requires factfinding before referral for indirect criminal contempt prosecution.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aspersion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersion. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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