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

The claim seeks $5 billion in damages for defamation and $5 billion for unfair trade practices. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Galliano was arrested and faced a barrage of negative press but pledged to sue for defamation. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Two of the involved officers later sued Torres-Walker for alleged defamation over Facebook posts calling them racists, though both cops were later charged with bribery and implicated in the city’s police racist texting scandal. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Miller, who has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2023, denied the accusations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Grisham the following year. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026