as in libel
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character
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Recent Examples of defamation
In a lawsuit filed in federal court in California today, the supermodel is suing Netflix, 89 Blocks Holdings, EverWonder Studio, Netflix Music and co-directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan for false light, defamation by implication, breach of contract and false endorsement.
—
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 June 2026
Mickelson hired Tom Clare, a top defamation attorney, who said video evidence contradicted the allegations.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 June 2026
Mickelson hired Tom Clare, a top defamation attorney, who said video evidence contradicted the allegations.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
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In January, Baldoni — who denies the accusations — filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its coverage of Lively’s allegations, and a $400 million defamation lawsuit against the actress, her husband Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane.—
Jami Ganz,
Mercury News,
5 Dec. 2025
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This disconnectedness, Carusone said, may contribute to her seeming disregard for libel suits.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
2 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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