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

These types of harms could include defamation, bias, deceit and social engineering and much more. — Anat Lior, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026

The judge found that the suit therefore fell short of the high bar needed for a defamation action on matters of public interest. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Dihn had been a key management figure as Fox News faced a trial in Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit over coverage of the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, a former chief of Israel’s domestic security service has filed a defamation suit against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and hospital officials in Gaza said an Israeli strike there killed one man. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026