aspersions

noun

plural of aspersion
as in criticisms
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

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 aspersions Who might emerge as the provocateur of the Premier League touchline and who might cast dark aspersions in press conferences? — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Amid aspersions and attack ads, the pair nearly came to blows at a community debate. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 Not Calvin Klein casting gay aspersions! — Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026 But in the end, their stories were deeper than the aspersions cast upon them. — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025 And in mid-century America, there were so many aspersions to be cast! — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 Their online parlance is punctuated by empty enthusiasms, vicious aspersions, and obvious hypocrisies that rarely matter. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aspersions
  1. criticisms
  2. darts
  3. attacks
  4. insinuations
  5. insults
  6. names
Noun
  • And despite countless new criticisms emerging every day, there is belief from people such as Eto’o, that the leader can somehow stay on.
    — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lesley Vogel, Hayden Panettiere’s mom, is slamming both Gayle King and Megyn Kelly for their recent criticisms in the wake of her daughter’s death.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticisms
Noun
  • Littler is a darts sensation and is now one of the most prominent names of all time from the sport.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 July 2026
  • Some locations also have karaoke rooms, and the Austin Holey Moley offers arcade games and interactive darts.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
Definition of darts
Noun
  • The development comes as the global shipping industry contends with attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, higher energy prices, and sharply reduced traffic through some of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The move follows months of Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and logistics hubs that have disrupted fuel supplies and online commerce, deepening economic strain and public frustration as Russia’s war enters its fifth year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of attacks
Noun
  • Ormund makes insinuations that his cousin is gay, which makes Ormund at once the most outwardly homophobic and sexist character in the show presently.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The singer laughed off illicit insinuations that have taken the internet by storm since video of the interview went viral.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
Definition of insinuations
Noun
  • The exchange began when Pham criticized Myers over a play, leading to a heated back-and-forth online, with Pham eventually resorting to personal insults.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • For racist, homophobic, and discriminatory chants and insults made by Argentine spectators during matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain, a fine of $100,000 and a similar amount suspended for a period of 6 months.
    — Michelle Kaufman August 21, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of insults
Noun
  • Shortly after Lyons' email, Charles forwarded the message to a group of officials whose names are redacted.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after Lyon's email, Charles forwarded the message to a group of officials whose names are redacted.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of names

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aspersion
aspersions
asphalt jungle
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Cite this Entry

“Aspersions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aspersions. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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