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 court's decision will determine whether Jones' case becomes a vehicle for redefining the limits of free speech and defamation law or simply marks the end of his appeals.
—
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Now, as the defamation case edges closer to a verdict, Relli faces the prospect of walking away empty-handed—or worse, financially responsible for tens of thousands in legal fees.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter and sued The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report on the letter, for defamation.
—Nik Popli, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter and sued The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on it, for defamation.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Now, as the defamation case edges closer to a verdict, Relli faces the prospect of walking away empty-handed—or worse, financially responsible for tens of thousands in legal fees.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter and sued The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report on the letter, for defamation.
—Nik Popli, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter and sued The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on it, for defamation.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
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McQueen countersued him on several claims as well, including libel, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional interference with contractual or business relationships.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
10 Sep. 2025
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Bellis later added $473 million in punitive damages, bringing the total libel judgment to $1,436,620,000—believed to be one of the largest in American history.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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