1
as in defamation
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
the actor's lawyers charge that the tabloid engaged in a deliberate campaign of character assassination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in libel
the use of personal attacks or insults in order to undermine an opponent
refused to resort to character assassination even if it meant losing his bid for governor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of character assassination
The Court should exercise its discretion to exclude the evidence set forth to avoid unfair character assassination and to ensure a fair trial on the merits.
—
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
The weird character assassination of Sharon Carter?
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
There is a thin line between chatter and character assassination — and gossip goes right for the jugular.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for character assassination
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
The weird character assassination of Sharon Carter?
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
There is a thin line between chatter and character assassination — and gossip goes right for the jugular.
—Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
The relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for character assassination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for character assassination
Noun
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In denying Bressington’s application, Judge William Alsup noted that the guitarist’s lawyers hedged on filing a defamation lawsuit.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
5 Jan. 2026
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The Macrons have also filed a defamation suit in the United States against conservative influencer Candace Owens.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Earlier in December, Baldoni filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, over its explosive story detailing her alleged treatment on set.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
3 Nov. 2025
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Steve Coogan has settled a libel claim over 2022’s The Lost King after a university academic sued over his depiction in the film.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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He was suspended to begin the 1995 season for cocaine and admitted to having a substance abuse problem.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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The Belgian Catholic Church has been rocked by a series of devastating clerical abuse scandals in recent years, which Pope Francis confronted directly during a visit to Belgium last year, spending more than two hours with survivors.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The City Council also asked for more training and improved policy and procedures on handling similar situations and Councilmember Hon Lien walked back the censure process that began earlier this week.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
25 Oct. 2025
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In doing so, the palace must weigh distancing itself from Andrew with ensuring the blowback from any further censure does not do even more damage to an institution that requires public buy-in.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And cornerback Mike Jackson, who had four pass breakups and an interception in the playoff game, dismissed criticism of Evero’s play-calling on the defense’s final drive.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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The couple, who did not grow up knowing one another because of estrangements in their families, faced criticism from both sets of parents for the union.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Black inks for the same printers tend to have less obvious smearing than the color ink, and many smear just enough to see a smudge, without harming readability.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
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If the smearing continues, look for a position elsewhere.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Character assassination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character%20assassination. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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