as in libel
the making of false statements that damage another's reputation
accused the newspaper columnist of defamation of character
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of defamation
The ongoing case focuses on her allegations after the claims in Baldoni's defamation lawsuits against Lively and Reynolds, and a separate one against The New York Times, were dismissed.
—
Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
In August, Wilkins filed separate defamation lawsuits against three commentators who allegedly spread false claims about her, including Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI agent who has been a vocal critic of Patel.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
As rumors of a feud grew, Baldoni hired Melissa Nathan, a crisis PR manager who represented Johnny Depp in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Instead, the film’s roughly 90-minute runtime focused on the issue of using defamation cases as a legal tactic to silence women.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
In August, Wilkins filed separate defamation lawsuits against three commentators who allegedly spread false claims about her, including Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI agent who has been a vocal critic of Patel.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
As rumors of a feud grew, Baldoni hired Melissa Nathan, a crisis PR manager who represented Johnny Depp in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Instead, the film’s roughly 90-minute runtime focused on the issue of using defamation cases as a legal tactic to silence women.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for defamation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defamation
libel
Noun
-
The stylist initially apologized in a comment on Exeter’s video, but tensions escalated when Exeter later shared a private message from Jessica, who allegedly alluded to taking legal action for libel.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Weinberg denied the allegations and sued both women for libel and slander.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defamation. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
