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
Baldoni responded by filing a civil lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, for, among other things, extortion and defamation.
—
Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 June 2026
In January 2025, Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation, extortion, and related claims.
—Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 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
Owens has become a particularly controversial figure after touting conspiracy theories pertaining to the death of conservative American activist Charlie Kirk and the gender of French first lady Brigitte Macron, who has filed a defamation lawsuit against the podcaster.
—Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 June 2026
In January 2025, Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation, extortion, and related claims.
—Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 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
Owens has become a particularly controversial figure after touting conspiracy theories pertaining to the death of conservative American activist Charlie Kirk and the gender of French first lady Brigitte Macron, who has filed a defamation lawsuit against the podcaster.
—Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
-
Baldoni, who denied the allegations, filed a gargantuan defamation suit for $400 million against Lively and her camp, as well as a $250 million libel suit against The New York Times’ coverage of the claims.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
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Sabellico sued him for libel, arguing those comments were malicious and defamatory.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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