Synonyms of defamation

defamation

noun

ˌde-fə-ˈmā-shən 

as in libel

the making of false statements that damage another's reputation

accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• defaming
• libeling
• slander
• criticism
• smearing
• calumny
• vilification
• abuse
• attack
• contempt
• censure
• blackening
• character assassination
• maligning
• malice
• calumniation
• traducing
• smear
• vilifying
• innuendo
• aspersing
• maliciousness
• mud
• aspersion
• vituperation
• detraction
• backbiting
• invective
• denunciation
• disdain
• spite
• disparagement
• denigration
• spitefulness
• scorn
• hatefulness
• venom
• hatchet job
• malignancy
• meanness
• malevolence
• belittlement
• malignity
• muck
• viciousness
• spleen
• nastiness
• despite
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• respect
• applause
• esteem
• acclaim
• commendation
• honor
• flattery
• worship
• accolade
• reverence
• adoration
• veneration
• adulation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defamation

Baku vehemently denied the report at the time, and stepped up its denials this week, filing a defamation lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

Criminal defamation laws in India and Pakistan can make experts reluctant to challenge questionable works openly. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by a Gwinnett County man in 2022, avoiding a trial that was set to begin Monday in federal court in Atlanta. — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Trump’s legal team believes that the defamation case relating to remarks made while in office should be covered by presidential immunity. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 Aug. 2026