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

Baldoni immediately pushed back against her claims with a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane as well as Sloane’s PR firm, accusing them of defamation and breach of contract. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

The suit makes three claims against the organization (defamation, tortious interference and injurious falsehood) and asks a judge to award Barth and his firm more than $10 million in damages. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

His denials and claims about Carroll were central to her defamation allegations. — Graham Kates, CBS News, 1 July 2026

At least one business sued for defamation and was granted an injunction. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026