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 president, or his companies, has also sued Capital One over debanking claims; media outlets over alleged defamation; and even the IRS over the leak of his tax information. —Hugh Son, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026

So Scofield sued Guillard for defamation in federal court in December 2022, and won. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026

Exxon later sued Bonta in his individual capacity and environmental groups for defamation, saying that the comments harmed current and future business contracts. —Janie Hair, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

But the jury found Greenpeace USA liable on all counts, including defamation, conspiracy, trespass, nuisance and tortious interference. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026