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
In a lawsuit filed in federal court in California today, the supermodel is suing Netflix, 89 Blocks Holdings, EverWonder Studio, Netflix Music and co-directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan for false light, defamation by implication, breach of contract and false endorsement.
—
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 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
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 June 2026
At the June 1 hearing, her lawyer compared the law to anti-SLAPP laws that are supposed to deter defamation suits that are actually designed to stifle speech (per Courthouse News Service).
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.
—Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 12 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
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 21 Jun. 2026.
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