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
• libelling
• defaming
• libeling
• slander
• criticism
• smearing
• calumny
• vilification
• abuse
• attack
• contempt
• censure
• blackening
• character assassination
• maligning
• calumniation
• traducing
• malice
• smear
• vilifying
• innuendo
• aspersing
• mud
• maliciousness
• aspersion
• vituperation
• detraction
• backbiting
• invective
• denunciation
• disdain
• spite
• disparagement
• denigration
• scorn
• spitefulness
• hatefulness
• hatchet job
• venom
• 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

Greene then promised to read the list on the House floor, where she’d be protected from defamation lawsuits by the Constitution’s speech or debate clause. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025

The lawsuit brings defamation claims against Wilson, Nathan, who declined to comment, and TAG. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025

Lively is suing and being sued by Wallace for defamation. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

The two administrators then jointly filed a suit against CPS and district officials including then-CEO Janice Jackson, alleging deprivation of due process, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. —Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025