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 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. names
  6. insults
Noun
  • Some scientists in the room said Kennedy’s expressions of appreciation were difficult to hear after his previous criticisms of the CDC, as well as federal health department cuts last year that included hundreds of positions at the agency.
    — Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The movie itself disappoints him for its deviations from the Stephen King novel (including this detail may help preempt criticisms over this adaptation), but he’s also distracted by the presence of a strikingly handsome stranger (Homer Gere).
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 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
  • Despite distancing herself from her Democratic predecessor, Klobuchar faced attacks from Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who ran in the Republican primary, arguing that her leadership would be tantamount to giving Walz another term.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The attacks come as tensions are rising between the government of western Libya and warlord Mohamed Bahroun, who controls the city of Zawiya.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 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 first few names on the list read like a Who’s Who of wonderkids; Renato Sanches was once a shoo-in for your Football Manager save, while Pedri and Joao Neves have gone on to become two of the most influential midfielders in the game.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and names Arellano in his individual capacity as the sole defendant.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of names
Noun
  • There’s blood and insults and exasperation and pain and horror.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The amendment aims to prevent players from hiding insults or other abuse — including discriminatory remarks — behind their hand, arm or jersey.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of insults

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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 15 Aug. 2026.

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