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
Wayfarer can continue its defamation action against Jones.
—
Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 14 May 2026
Patel, who has vehemently denied the outlet’s reporting, has since sued The Atlantic in a $250 million defamation lawsuit.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
After months of turmoil and accusations of a plot to oust her, Chula Vista’s police chief sued the city and four councilmembers Tuesday, alleging defamation, invasion of privacy and harassment.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Two former Georgia election workers later won a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 14 May 2026
Patel, who has vehemently denied the outlet’s reporting, has since sued The Atlantic in a $250 million defamation lawsuit.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
After months of turmoil and accusations of a plot to oust her, Chula Vista’s police chief sued the city and four councilmembers Tuesday, alleging defamation, invasion of privacy and harassment.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Two former Georgia election workers later won a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
-
The first and third items in this indictment are indisputable; the second is a complicated and qualified matter; and the last two are libels, still part of popular legend no matter how often disproved by serious biography.—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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As media and society continued to evolve, some of these ideas—such as libel law revisions and expanded freedom of expression—gained ground through various means.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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