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 relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—
Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
The character assassination needs to stop.
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The former congresswoman was a target for character assassination and neo-McCarthyism by those who reflexively support endless interventionism and attempt to cancel dissenting views.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The relentless character assassination of the West continues apace.
—Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for character assassination
Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025
The character assassination needs to stop.
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
The former congresswoman was a target for character assassination and neo-McCarthyism by those who reflexively support endless interventionism and attempt to cancel dissenting views.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 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
-
The still Shari Redstone-run Paramount Global announced the settlement figure as $16 million, the same amount that Disney reached in December to resolve a Trump defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
3 July 2025
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Per the terms of the agreement, the $16 million will be allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, an arrangement that echoes ABC News’ December 2024 settlement of a similar defamation charge.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
On New Year’s Eve, Baldoni sued The New York Times for $250 million for libel over their initial story about Lively’s allegations.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
2 May 2025
-
This group also advises on libel, intellectual property, and other concerns relating to content.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The dad was arrested and charged with two counts of child abuse.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
-
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans say the bill would cut waste, fraud and abuse from Medicaid, providing coverage only to those who truly need it.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Libby's censure was initially passed on Feb. 25 by a vote of 75-70.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
-
Iran said other measures were also being planned in response to the U.N. agency's censure.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
Habba’s involvement has drawn criticism from Democrats, who accuse the Trump administration of politicizing federal prosecutions.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 June 2025
-
Outreach to the Jewish community Mamdani has faced some pushback, given New York's large Jewish population, over his history of comments and activism opposing Israel, including his criticism of Israel over the war in Gaza.—
Rachel Scott,
ABC News,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Character assassination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/character%20assassination. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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