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
The defamation case stemmed from a rap battle with Kendrick Lamar.
—
Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2025
Jones brought a defamation lawsuit against a pair of conservative bloggers – seeking damages of $1 and an apology – that's still ongoing.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
The team's counterclaims include defamation, civil conspiracy, tortious interference and breach of contract.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit alleges defamation and unauthorized use of his name and likeness in connection with the last two seasons.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2025
Jones brought a defamation lawsuit against a pair of conservative bloggers – seeking damages of $1 and an apology – that's still ongoing.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
The team's counterclaims include defamation, civil conspiracy, tortious interference and breach of contract.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
The lawsuit alleges defamation and unauthorized use of his name and likeness in connection with the last two seasons.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
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Harry has twice sued Associated Newspapers for libel, winning one case and withdrawing the other, while his wife Meghan has also won a privacy lawsuit against the publisher.—
Michael Holden,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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The country also still lacks a freedom of information act, and libel remains a criminal offense.—
Ashish Valentine,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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